July 2017

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ALWAYS FREE IS

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J U LY 2017

L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E - M O R AY I S S U E

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK...

P R O D U C E D A N D P R I N T E D I N M O R AY

T IGH KAGE AM C SS ON TW G PA WIGWKINLO PIN ARGE ARM, M F A L O E GL O IN TW NG TW GR A FOR FOR T, EAST TEA , KEITH , Y E R I LOF NED ASE BER WOOG V THE TUR AW E ND ENTAL A STR OOGI H B AM UL TIF ORN E EAU TED Y LOW UM B N A DR AI GAR E IC E D-P P S N NC HA OF CRAFT MA LE OR OTT BEACH ERF CE B Y P A I DA OR S F S C HO R S U N R KET O TIC INNE OMP F OW R O OF W T, ST EST SH F PAI TH CER SPEY KE I ON C R .

FO i.e ETS FELIX IC K OT W T

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CONTENTS

Welcome

FEATURES

REGULARS

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47 Shopping

A surprise in store at Baxters

Renewables Fuelling the future Winds of opportunity Planning ahead

48 COVER STORY Drinking

The new kid on the block

Talking cocktails

12 Fishing the Spey 14 Out and about

Mike Rae goes in search

of the corncrake 20 Sporting gold

The two athletes from Rothes

who beat the odds 24 Motorcycling

Moray’s Motor Cycle fiesta

54 Eating out

Beside the seaside...

58 Health & well-being

The man

with a van Feel-good

fitness with Petra

26 Driving

Old cars take to the road

60 Fergus Ewing

31 Heritage

Buckie Pipe band turns 30

THIS MONTH’S COMPETITIONS

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64 Win, win, win...

Glamping for two

Strawberry tea for two

Gary Lowe vase

Bottle of Beach Craft Rum

Speyfest tickets for two

Keith Show tickets for two

Art Gary Lowe the wood turner Graeme Nairn Glenfiddich artists in residence Richard Waitt comes home to Grantown-on-Spey

Editor Fiona HIll Distribution MMS-Almac Ltd Advertising Rhona Patterson Barbara Playdon Publisher Colin Brown

Creative Team Adam Thomas Jeff Ho David Banks Rebecca Beaton Donna Cowie Production Controller Margaret Stuart Proofing Penny Brown

Printing Graham Payne Chris Leil Finishing Leza Stuart Fyona Duncan Pre-Press Lynn Stuart

MMS ALMAC LTD Unit 6, Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin IV30 1XY Tel: 01343 551234 All material within this magazine is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertising artwork or any other content, without the publisher’s prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright.

Lifestyle MAG

With midsummer’s day fading into a memory and with, hopefully, more summer sunshine to come, we should all be excited. As the expectations rise for better weather there are a lot of events to go to in July and August, so make the most of it. We, as a team, extend our sympathies to anyone involved in the recent local flooding, having been through it ourselves in both Elgin and Keith we can appreciate the heartbreak.

Our best wishes go out to you.

A few days ago while enjoying an evening pint I met some German tourists who follow Lifestyle Magazine online after another friend discovered it when they were here on holiday – they have based their trip solely on seeing Speyside in Lifestyle. Five days into the trip and they adore it, no surprise there! Also, one of our advertisers has found themselves inundated with sales enquiries since signing up, so as they say “It pays to advertise” and that advertising does work.

Have a lovely July.

COLIN BROWN - PUBLISHER

enjoy!

Life 3

RENEWABLES These days we have to turn our attention towards saving the planet’s resources. No longer can we throw caution to the winds and never give a moment’s thought to the future. The industrial revolution might have brought increased production and better working conditions for most but, years on, it has come at a price.

Fuelling the future

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magine a world without electricity. Virtually everything we do depends on this energy source, but unless we continue to source alternative methods of producing this vital commodity we may just find ourselves in dire straits. If we continue to use fossil fuels and do not find another source, they will one day run out: it is estimated that oil will run out in approximately 56 years, gas in 55 years and coal in 100 years. In 2011 coal, oil and gas made up 83 per cent of the world’s energy use and by 2020 the experts predict this will decrease to 76 per cent - a downwards trend – but a trend that is threatened by the expansion of countries such as China and India; these two countries are developing at a very fast rate and their energy needs are soaring.

Millions of years ago trees breathed in carbon dioxide and stored it in their trunks before sinking into the swamps

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and, under pressure from above, forming coal. That very coal we burn now is releasing the carbon dioxide straight back into the air. The same thing happened with oil and gas, except that these were originally tiny sea creatures that stored the carbon in their bodies and took it with them when they died and their bodies were buried.

It is a vicious circle – the carbon that the trees and the sea creatures very obligingly removed is now being released back into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect. All the released gases add to an invisible blanket around the earth, trapping more of the sun’s heat, making the world’s temperature rise and thus having a marked effect on the world’s weather patterns. In addition, we are constantly reminded that pollution in the air is detrimental to our health.

We must all try to do the best we can by reducing the amount of fossil fuel that we burn. Many people are turning towards alternative methods of generating the essential electricity needed for everyday living.

Renewable energy Renewable energy has one major advantage in that it is renewable and so will never run out. Its facilities require less maintenance and the fuel derived from natural sources reduces the costs. More importantly, renewable energy produces little or no waste products, such as carbon dioxide or other chemical pollutants. Another positive point to consider is the fact that most renewable energy projects are located away from urban and city centres.

The technology

How long have we got?..

Oil = 56 years Gas = 55 years Coal = 100 years Lifestyle MAG

Renewable energy technology is relatively new and its cost is far in excess of the traditional fossil fuel generation. To counteract this, there is government funding (Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which was introduced in 2014) in place to alleviate the costs of installing renewable energy.

Not a lot of people are aware that around 80 per cent of consumers, both residential and commercial, are benefitting from funding. There are several websites, such as Greener Energy Group and Ofgem, that can help guide the consumer through the RHI application process. All it takes is a few minutes of your time to complete the online questionnaire.

The options available are solar thermal panels, biomass pellet and log boilers, air and ground-source heat pumps - all available to you at home.

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RENEWABLES FUELLING THE FUTURE

80 per cent of consumers, both residential and commercial, are benefitting from RHI funding.

Your renewable options...

Solar Of the available renewable options, the one that is most apparent on any drive around Moray is the solar thermal panel option. More and more private homes, especially new-builds, are sporting these well-recognised panels.

Easy to install, they can power up to 60 per cent of a home’s hot water needs without having to tap into the National Grid or your local gas network. This will result in savings and a marked reduction in carbon emissions.

The panels work in a very simple way and for obvious reasons it is best to position them on a south-facing roof.

They contain anti-freeze solution which carries the heat through copper pipes (an excellent conductor of heat) and into the heat coil exchanger in the hot water cylinder.

The panels can also be teamed up with an air source heat pump or a biomass boiler.

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Biomass boilers Biomass boilers are designed to power central-heating systems and hot-water boilers. Both residential and commercial premises boilers can be fuelled by clean, renewable wood pellets, wood chips or logs. Any property, whether a new-build or not, can benefit from a biomass boiler, as long as there is sufficient room to install the boiler and its fuel. These boilers can help reduce your carbon footprint, can reduce your fuel bills and are robustly engineered and designed to last for over 20 years. People who join the RHI scheme receive quarterly payments over seven years.

De-carbonising the whisky industry

Air and ground-source heat pumps Air and ground source heat pumps work on the same principles as a household refrigerator but the technology is used in the opposite way. To produce heat and hot water for the home these heat pumps make use of the available heat from the ground or the air – all totally renewable.

The facts are sobering. Fossil fuels will ultimately run out.

As these fuels become more expensive and harder to find, renewable energy will become cheaper as technology improves. The choice is obvious. We owe it to future generations to make that choice.

Lifestyle LifestyleMAG MAG

Quietly and without too much fuss and fanfare, the Scottish Whisky industry is doing its bit for the environment. The industry is determined to reach its target to produce 20 per cent of its energy needs from non-fossil fuel sources by 2020 and to 80 per cent by 2050. Did you know that many distilleries right across Scotland, from Ayrshire to Inverness-shire, have already got their systems up and running?

Speyside can boast two notable operations which are benefitting both the whisky industry itself and the local communities. The biomass combined heat and power plant (CHP) in Rothes uses by-products of the whisky industry for energy production, generating sufficient heat to power 9,000 homes. The plant also uses pot ale, another by-product, to produce a concentrated organic fertiliser and animal feed, which is used by local farmers.

The combined heat and power plant at Macallan (above) provides heat in the form of steam for the distillery and electricity to the national grid. The plant generates sufficient energy to power 20,000 homes and the carbon saving is the equivalent of taking 18,000 cars off the road.

Slainte!

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RENEWABLES COMMUNITY FUNDS

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eatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (BOWL) is launching the Beatrice local fund in Moray this month. Worth over £1m, the fund is available to constituted community groups, nonprofit organisations and registered charities within the four Moray community council areas of Buckie and District, Keith, Lennox and Strathisla. The fund will be managed by SSE with grant decisions made by a representative panel of local people.

Marianne Townsley, SSE’s Community Investment Manager says: “It’s fantastic to be launching the Beatrice Moray Community Fund which we hope will enable local community groups and organisations to realise their ambitions. For the next five years the fund will support activities that enhance local communities and provide lasting benefits.”

There will be a series of funding surgeries on the 12 July when applications will be welcomed. If you would like to find out more about the fund or discuss a potential application, funding surgeries will be held as follows: •

•

Wednesday 12 July 11am to 3.30pm Wednesday 12 July 4.30pm to 8pm

Situated around 13.5km off the Caithness coast, the 84 turbine Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm is expected to generate enough energy to power up to 450,000 homes once operational in 2019. Both onshore and offshore construction work is under way and progressing well.

Buckie Library Keith Community Centre

Applications for the first round of funding need to be submitted by 12 October 2017.

Application forms and fund guidelines will be available from 12 July on www.sse.com/beatricemoray.

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The Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm community fund could boost Moray’s community groups and charities by £1m over the next five years.

‘Beatrice is expected to provide up to a £680m boost to the UK economy’

Beatrice Moray Community Fund Open for applications from 12 July 2017 The Moray element of the Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm community fund is worth £1m over 5 years and will open for applications on 12 July 2017.

It is open to constituted community groups, not for profit organisations or registered charities within the four community council areas of: • • • •

Buckie and District Keith Lennox Strathisla

Applications for the first round of funding should be submitted by 12 October 2017 by post or email to:

Marianne Townsley Community Fund Manager SSE 10 Henderson Road Inverness IV1 1SN Email : marianne.townsley@sse.com Application forms and guidelines are available from: www.sse.com/beatricemoray

If you would like to find out more about the fund or discuss a potential application, funding surgeries will be held: Weds 12 July - Buckie Library - 11am to 3.30pm Weds 12 July - Keith Community Centre - 4.30pm to 8pm Lifestyle MAG

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RENEWABLES INSTALLATIONS

An energy plan for your future

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f you are considering renewable energy measures, you should know that not everything needs to be done at the start. The capital costs for renewable energy installations has dropped in the last few years making the job more affordable and a credible alternative to what is considered mainstream electricity, heating and hot water.

In 2017, the Energy Savings Trust launched interestfree funding under the Home Energy Scotland Loan with funding up to ÂŁ32,500 per home available to home owners and eligible registered private sector landlords.

Cashback grants are also available for a limited time for energy efficiency improvements.

Individul home-owners can receive funding of up to ÂŁ32,500

If you are interested in applying or would like more information please call Home Energy Scotland 0800 808 2282. On all other matters your chosen installation company can help you.

Low carbon, premium quality wood pellets Made in Scotland from local responsibly managed forests

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Premium Quality

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Efficient

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Low Carbon

Woodlets are accredited to the Biomass Suppliers List (BSL). The BSL is a list of Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) eligible woodfuels which is controlled by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

Woodlets are available in 10kg bags Loose bulk or blown deliveries can be arranged

www.woodlets.co.uk 01465 716010 10

Plumbing and Renewables Air source and ground source heat pumps l Biomass l Solar thermal l All plumbing and heating requirements l Full service from initial planning through to installation and after care l Help and advice on all financial incentives (RHI) for heating systems l

Alex M Grant & Co Ltd • Pensions • Independent Advice • • Protection • Savings and Investments • • Tax Planning • Wealth Management • With over thirty years experience as a trusted independent financial adviser to families and businesses, with roots firmly in the North East of Scotland, Alex M Grant & Co Ltd has a performance record second to none, renowned for steadily building wealth to which customers will testify.

You will feel comfortable in the knowledge that this company is "It is a pleasure to find managed by Alex himself who will a company who take their personally attend to your request. Be it responsibilities to clients straightforward day to day advice, or expert finance redesigning, you can rely so seriously." on a warm but professional service William A Dean jnr (Dean's of Huntly) from Alex M Grant & Co Ltd.

Burghead, Moray IV30 5UN t 01343 831193 m 07968 051344 Plumbing e info@plumbingandrenewables.co.uk and Renewables w www.plumbingandrenewables.co.uk

Telephone 01542 882577 Email info@your-financial-adviser.com 180 Mid Street, Keith, AB55 5BL Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

A. M. McPherson Ltd, Keith

Your local independent electrical retailer still family run since 1955.

McPhersons stock a wide range of white goods including inclu washing machines, refrigeration products, tumble dryers, dishwashers, cookers, and integrated appliances. Many items are available for same day collection or the experienced delivery teams are available for fast delivery across Banffshire, Moray and Aberdeenshire within 40 miles of Keith. There are often special offers on connection services, make sure you ask for details. An installation service is also available for integrated appliances. For all your kitchen app appliance needs call, email or visit the large showroom in Keith.

154 Mid Street, Keith, AB55 5BJ 01542882736

Lifestyle MAG

mcphersons@btconnect.com 11

FISHING THE RIVER SPEY

Tales of the river

Spey river biologist Brian Shaw keeps us up-to-speed with all things fishy

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ere on the river Spey, one species dominates our work; the salmon. But our role in the scientific wing of the Spey fishery operation encompasses so much more. Invasive species, water quality, ‘bugs & beasties’, education, fish passage, mammal surveys and freshwater pearl mussels are all issues we have been involved with in the last year.

What better way to spend a glorious summer’s day than walking the river banks watching one of the great seasonal spectacles on the Spey. This is not a solitary task; we are often joined by ghillies or anglers, or even members of the public, who are invariably fascinated by the sight of large fish, which, for a period at least, become highly visible as they sow the seeds of a future generation.

Monitoring the health and status of juvenile salmon and trout (the other economically significant species) stocks is our most important role; consequently we

devote considerable resource and time to this task. This monitoring starts with redd counts, redds being the nests created by spawning salmon or trout. These structures are readily visible to the experienced eye across the catchment from October to January.

Much of our time in the summer is dedicated to electrofishing surveys of the juvenile stocks. Using specialist equipment we can generate a highly localised underwater electrical field. Up to 450volts may be required to catch fish in the high purity waters draining the granite hills of the Cairngorms; this may sound dramatic but the amperage is low and the fish recover immediately.

The survey programme consists of salmon fry surveys, which are completed annually along the Spey mainstem, as well as in the larger tributaries. In addition, we survey all of the streams and burns flowing into the Spey on a three year rota.

‘Members of the public are fascinated by the sight of large fish which are highly visible...’

Atlantic salmon: the species that dominates the Spey

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bank The main factors regulating juvenile stocks of salmon and trout in the Spey are often large scale environmental events for example extreme high flows. The value of long term monitoring was highlighted in the aftermath of Storm Frank, which ravaged many rivers along the east coast of Scotland in December 2015. In the summer after Storm Frank reduced salmon fry counts were recorded in the Spey downstream of the River Avon (A’an) in 2016 and in the A’an itself the counts were particularly low in comparison to the previous survey in 2013. Armed with such a detailed survey we will be able to assess the extent of any natural recovery this year, which helps inform whether any intervention, for example restocking, is justified or necessary.

Downstream migrating smolts entering our rotating drum are prevented from escaping by baffles and are retained in a fish holding box at the rear. During operation the traps are checked every morning when the catch is counted, measured and identified. Our monitoring shows that smolt production varies from year to year, but generally production levels are within, or at the higher end of expectations, for highland rivers.

Fish such as salmon can be aged from their scales so

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The Spey electrofishing team 2016 electrofishing in the River Truim near Dalwhinnie

a structured sample is collected during smolt sampling with a few scales taken from every tenth fish captured for reading under a microscope.

Smolt migration in the Spey is about as good as it gets.

There are no mainstem weirs or obstructions, few lochs and most years high flows during the smolt migration period in the spring. However, this spring river flows were unusually low, a consequence of the virtual absence of snow in the hills.

Low water conditions in the spring may become more frequent given climate change predictions with potentially harmful consequences for the ecology of the Spey. We are currently involved with Marine Scotland Science in the Scotland River Temperature Monitoring Network (SRTMN) an ambitious project that aims to understand the factors affecting stream temperature and its impact on salmon growth and performance. We contribute by looking after a network of lower catchment temperature loggers, downloading these twice each year.

I hope that this brief resume has provided an interesting insight into some of our more traditional monitoring work on the Spey. There has not been time in this short article to cover other techniques such as the use of genetics, nor the use of acoustic tags and tracking; techniques which have already provided an insight into the hidden world of population dynamics and migration. Through the development of these techniques in future years our understanding of the, often secret, world of the salmon will increase vastly, particularly with issues such as predation and migration routes within the offshore marine environment.

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OUT & ABOUT WITH MIKE RAE

Calling time

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Prize-winning photographer Mike Rae is passionate about wildlife, conservation and the environment - and he loves Scotland. Here, he travels west to the Outer Hebrides, to discover the shy corncrake, once prevalent throughout Moray and Aberdeenshire.

SKYE

INVERNESS ABERDEEN

GLASGOW EDINBURGH

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ntidy and neglected would be one way to describe the scattered crofts in the Outer Hebrides. Field corners are overgrown, there are patches of yellow flag iris in the damper places and old farm machinery is left where it broke to slowly rust away. In spring and early summer the small fields divided by stonewalls are a patchwork of colour and drifts of wild flowers. The Outer Hebrides have a surprising mix of landscapes; the Uist islands, that I know best, have west coast beaches with dunes, flower rich machair and miles of gorgeous white desert sand.

The east coasts are rocky, rugged with small secret coves often only accessible by little-used paths. The islands differ as well; Benbecula, between north and south Uist, is a bewildering maze of boggy peat and freshwater lakes.

I first visited the Outer Hebrides as a hitchhiking teenager and was trapped in a tent on Benbecula for several days in an unseasonable summer storm. I have returned several times since and have always been much luckier with the weather. My week in a cottage on North Uist in early May this year, was met with wall-towall sunshine. The draw of the empty beaches, where Rye my spaniel fruitlessly chases the seagulls and birds, pull me to the far north west.

Farming the thin, sandy soils of the Outer Hebrides is a challenge. Much of the land is made up of crofts.

The less intensive, more traditional and untidy land-use

Lifestyle MAG

PICTURES: MIKE RAE

is one of the main reasons why the islands are so rich in bird life.

Corncrakes are enigmatic little birds that look like miniature partridges, they migrate to Africa every winter and used to breed throughout the UK. Now they are only found on the Scottish west coast and Hebrides. Modern intensive farming destroys their nests before the young can leave. Many birds are impossible to see in thick vegetation. Corncrakes are expert hiders but then call loudly causing legendary frustration for bird watchers who can be seen staring fruitlessly at nettle beds where a corncrake is hiding and calling loudly only metres away.

Spring was late this year and the corncrakes arrived at about the same time as I did. The Balranald RSPB reserve in the west of North Uist is managed using traditional crofting methods and is very rich in wildlife. Small fields 15

OUT & ABOUT WITH MIKE RAE

‘Handsome black and white oyster catchers strut around or sit on their eggs in shallow scrapes on the machair.’

around the visitor centre always attract corncrakes, and this, in turn, always attracts bird-watchers.

The first corncrake was consistently calling from two yellow iris beds and, as usual, was totally invisible. The large coach-load of bird watchers were brave, ignoring fences and notices and tried to find the corncrake. However, the corncrake was wise to their behaviour; it took to the ditch and hid in the pile of old pallets and lobster pots by the visitor centre.

Of course, coach tours will not have their timetables disrupted by a bird; the frustrated bird watchers are loaded up and the coach leaves. The retreating engine noise signals to the corncrake that it is safe to come out.

The emboldened little bird walks through the fence, feeds a while in the short grass then walks back to the iris patch and resumes calling to a possible mate that has yet to arrive.

I head to South Uist where the corncrakes arrived a 16

“ The emboldened little bird walks through the fence and resumes calling to a possible mate that has yet to arrive...

week earlier – the small crofts are quiet during the day and there are no coaches. To the west of the main road, running through South Uist, there is a network of lanes and tracks where the flower-rich machair leads to the small farms and crofts that pepper the landscape. The lanes give access through the dunes to the empty white sand beaches and the tropical turquoise blue Atlantic.

The machair and small fields are alive with bird life, many birds live on the island all year round, others are migrating

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through. Small groups of whimbrel, that look like delicate curlew, were feeding on the short grass. They spend the winter on African coasts and travel back to breed in the far north of Scotland and Iceland. Lapwings already had young and spend the long May days using their acrobatic flight and insistent calls to chase off the gulls that try to catch and eat their chicks. Handsome black and white oyster catchers strut around or sit on their eggs in shallow scrapes on the machair. Occasionally the mottled brown 17

OUT & ABOUT WITH MIKE RAE

birds sitting on fence wire were not meadow pipits but increasingly scarce corn buntings.

I drove slowly along the single track with my windows down, listening. The corncrake call is so loud it can be heard over the sound of the car. It is like a stick drawn down an old washboard (kerreck, kerreck). This call can disturb people’s sleep on quiet summer nights, but I see it, rather than hear it. The corncrake is in a small field feeding in the short grass. I stop the car and it runs for cover in the corner among black silage bales. After a few minutes it starts the rasping call. I wait and a little head comes out and calls through the fence – a few minutes more and it walks through the fence, breaks into a run then flies to the far corner with yellow flag iris and starts to call again. In the quiet, I can hear the distant call of other corncrakes.

I drive round to the iris corner. Spring has been late, the iris are short and I can see the corncrake a few metres away calling with its head held high. Beyond the iris bed there are two very smart golden plover, they breed in the heather-covered hills to the east of the main road and come down here to feed in the insect-rich fields. I glance up and notice the shadows have shifted; my watch shows it is much later than I thought. Rye’s insistent stare confirms that it is nearing suppertime and I need to return to the cottage on North Uist.

Later that evening, I walked Rye down the road – a hen harrier was quartering the fields. A farmer was also down the lane trying to catch the lambs on the road-side of the 18

fence and put them on the field-side. He explained that their mothers would then follow them back. He gladly accepted our help. Rye is no sheepdog, sheep are bigger than her and she is afraid of them, but lambs are afraid of everything and one look at us made them stick their heads through the fence, get trapped and get caught. The light was fading and the harrier had been replaced by a short-eared owl. I opened the gate and went back to the cottage.

Although I had come to the far west to see the wildlife, on reflection the tolerance and kindness of the people living on the islands is an equal draw. Crofters and farmers are happy to stop, talk and give advice and free access to their land. Unfailing politeness and patience on the narrow passing-place island roads. A relaxed, elastic attitude to time and more, make for a compelling destination.

Mike’s pictures have been published in the BBC’s Wildlife magazine and British Trust for Ornithology.

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Email: info@mms-almac.co.uk . www.mms-almac.co.uk

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SPORTING GOLD

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For all its size - 80,077 km2 and a population of circa 5.4million - Scotland has produced a remarkable number of accomplished athletes.

But what are the odds of world class athletes living within a few miles of each other and working in the same trade? Let’s amend the odds even further – what if they were working in the same establishment?

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he small town of Rothes has a population of approximately 1,300 and is best known for its distilleries and businesses associated with the production of whisky. In one of its hotels you will find two world class athletes who work together but, for a while, each did not know what the other did outside of working hours.

They make an unlikely pair – one is a powerlifter and the other is a boxer. So what, you may ask, both very

Megan on duty at The Station Hotel

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masculine sports requiring muscle, power and stamina.

What is remarkable is that one of them is young – only 17 years old – and a girl.

Megan Gordon, one of the waitressing staff members at the Station Hotel, was only 11 when she decided that she wanted to have a go at boxing. Her father, Paul, is a former boxer and boxing coach in the RAF and it was while Megan was supporting him at the Elgin Boxing Club that she saw a young boy boxing and thought “I can do that”.

Understandably, everyone laughed and thought that this was just a passing fancy, but Megan pestered her father until he gave in. She trained every day for two months at home with him before she went to the club and even now she is the only female member.

During the three years that Megan has been boxing, she has taken on a number of opponents and is now a three-time Scottish Open Junior Champion; she would probably have more titles under her belt if she could only find more people in her weight class as opponents.

But, impressive as this record is, Megan is due to claim the honour of becoming Scotland’s first-ever female Commonwealth boxer at the forthcoming Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas. From there she will be at the main Commonwealth Games next April in the Gold Coast.

At 17 years of age, she has travelled to more destinations with her sport than most of us would achieve in a lifetime.

It is an amazing record for someone who is so young.

Who knows what the future will hold for Megan. One thing is for sure, this lady with the matching fingernails and toenails, who has bouts of pre-fight nerves that disappear once she is in the ring, who has a very sensible older-thanher-years head on her young shoulders and whose hero is Anthony Joshua, will go far.

Megan Gordon Three-time Scottish Open Junior Boxing Champion

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SPORTING GOLD Neil Stewart is as remarkable in his field as Megan is in hers. A chef at the same hotel, he is a world champion powerlifter in his spare time. For those who are not aware of the distinction between powerlifting and weightlifting, powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximal weight on the three lifts of squat, bench press and deadlift. It involves the athlete attempting a maximal weight single lift of a barbell loaded with weight plates. Sadly, it’s not an Olympic sport. If it were, guests at the Hotel would have their meals prepared by an Olympian.

Being a chef is a great asset when it comes to nutrition. Neil’s four or five balanced meals a day are rich in the protein that his body needs. Egg white is an essential ingredient in the smoothies that he makes, as the white contains the protein (whereas the yolk contains the cholesterol) and, contrary to what you may think, the egg white does not turn everything gloopy.

Neil can thank vanity for getting him into powerlifting.

A decade ago he wanted to tone his body and it wasn’t long before he realised he was good enough to compete in major events. Then about three years ago he made a New Year’s resolution to enter a competition. As far as he was concerned, there was no point in making a resolution unless there was a definite goal in mind. The weight lifting training in his garage at his home in Aberlour and weekly training with the Highland Barbell Club in Inverness has rewarded him with three European titles. In 2016 Neil won

the deadlift title at the GPC (Global Powerlifting Congress) European Championships at Eastbourne. At the WPC (World Powerlifting Congress) European powerlifting and single lift championships in Stoke, Neil claimed three gold medals, smashing three British records.

At Stoke he broke his own British bench press record twice, hoisting 162.5 kg in his second lift and then surpassing this with an incredible 175kg. Lifting 265kg saw him break the British dead lift record. At the Baton Rouge, Louisiana WPC tournament in November last year Neil was part of the Great Britain team, returning home with gold in the multi-ply bench press 100kg class. He also won the 110kg deadlift event, beating star Russian powerlifter Yuriy Ustinov, captain and president of the Russian Powerlifting Federation.

But perhaps his greatest achievement to date was becoming a father, coincidentally on the same day – January 1st – that he decided to enter a competition. Maybe one day little Blair will follow in his father’s footsteps. There cannot be many such accomplished athletes living within two miles of each other and working in the same establishment in a small town anywhere in the world, let alone in the small town of Rothes.

The whole team at The Station Hotel is very proud of Meg’s and Neil’s achievements, it just goes to show that anyone from any background, with the right amount of commitment and dedication, can reach heights that are unimaginable to most.

The Station Hotel will continue to sponsor our champs and back them in any way we can, this includes creating rotas to suit their training patterns and competitions, as well as providing kit and financial backing.

Neil Slessor,

General Manager The Station Hotel The Station Hotel, Rothes

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Neil Stewart World Champion Powerlifter

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MOTORCYCLING

Moray Coast Motor Cycle Club

Annual Poker Run Cars also welcomed

Sun 13th Aug ’17 The MCMCC’s annual Poker Run is an event ridden on a motorcycle which covers some of the most beautiful parts of Moray, Aberdeenshire and Cairngorms countryside. All money raised goes to preselected charities and to purchase items for charities in and around the local area.

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The Start Upon arrival at Tom Adamson’s motorcycle shop, you will register and pay the registration fee of £10 each. In turn you will receive your map of the route and a ticket for a butty & drink from the Royale Meal burger van. On your map will be a copy of the route with 5 stops and

a printed deck of cards. If you’re not much of a poker card player, don’t worry as the rules are simple and can be explained by any member of the club, or look online for Poker hand scores. This is also the best time to plan your route.

The Route At 11am the Chairman of the club will rally all the participants together for a safety brief prior to departure. All stops are numbered from 1-5 and need to be completed in that order to ensure that everyone is swept up at the end. Each stop will be clearly marked.

Once you have completed all 5 stops you will then make your way back to Tom Adamson’s to hand in your score card. At this point you will be given a chance to buy a further card to improve your chances of a better score.

The Results Once all riders are confirmed as to having returned the final score will be worked out. Whilst people are waiting they will be able to get food and ice cream whilst listening to Wave Radio playing brilliant music. At 4pm the results will be announced with 3rd-1st place receiving cash prizes.

The Club The club was founded in January 2001 and is a Motor Cycle Club aimed at riders of all abilities in the Moray and surrounding area. In our club it doesn’t matter what you ride just as long as you ride.

The club has over 120 members of all ages, riding abilities and experience, with a wide and varied selection of bikes from cruisers to supersports. We organise and participate in many different types of biking events including lunch runs, mid week runs (chip shop runs), weekend trips, training rides, charity runs and even a European trip or two. Non-bike events include GoKarting nights, quiz nights, bowling and other social events. The club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Mill House Hotel, Tynet, Buckie. New members and guests are always welcome and the website is open to anyone. Simply search Moray Coast Motor Cycle Club on the internet, click register and follow the instructions, but bear in mind that some areas will be for full club members only, so you’ll just have to join the club, won’t you!?

For further information go online at:

www.mcmcc.org.uk

The club meets the first Wednesday of the month at The Mill House Hotel, Tynet, just outside Buckie at 7.30pm Lifestyle MAG

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DRIVING HISTORIC WHEELS CLUB

Over the second weekend in August you might be surprised to see a host of classic and vintage cars on the roads around Moray...

Wheels of desire ‘Oh the simple pleasure of keeping a car alive!’

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017 marks the 41st Historic Wheels Club rally – an event that provides a marvellous spectacle of old cars running on public roads. The cars make their way to the grounds of Brodie Castle where they will remain on display for visitors to see. All profits generated by the event will be distributed to local charities. So far, the group has raised over £55,000 and has entertained thousands of people with their beautifully preserved machines.

Many folk think that classic car ownership is the preserve of the wealthy and that may be true when you’re looking at the more exotic and rare automobiles. However, there are a lot of fun cars out there to be owned and enjoyed; from the humble Ford Popular and Morris Minor to slick Jaguars and Morgans - there’s a car (or van) to suit every wallet and interest.

From left to right: 1933 Alvis Speed 20; 1946 Fiat Topolino; 1936 Austin Seven; 1972 VW Beetle; 1972 Morris Minor Van; 1927 Sunbeam; 1951 MG YA; 1958 Heinkel Kabine 130 with a1978 Roll Royce Silver Shadow behind.

1920 Ford Model T (opposite); Jaguar SS100 Replica (above, left); 1957 MGA 1500 Roadster (above, right)

The support of other interested owners both locally and nationally ensures a network of people to ask about any issues that might arise. Most marques have some form of national owners’ club and, along with generic local car clubs like Historic Wheels, provide events and support for enthusiasts.

Many people start with an inherited car – perhaps Dad’s old Humber or a car that provides a dose of nostalgia for childhood or to recall youthful days. Whether the vehicle requires attention or not you’ll usually find one small job or another requires to be done.

The payback for this labour of love is the joy of ownership, the pleasure of keeping a car alive and enjoying the more simple style of motoring – no ABS, parking aids or SATNAV - though you might have to re-learn some skills like using a manual choke, starting handle or double declutching. Most modern cars require very little in the way of owner maintenance with computerised this and that

Lifestyle MAG

to alert the driver of the need to go for a service. Older machines tend to have far less sophisticated systems and often there’s less to go wrong. Owners perhaps spend more time washing and polishing than undertaking an engine overhaul or serious bodywork repairs. Many owners are happy to chat about their treasured ‘pride and joy’ - its fun and foibles, the problems they overcame and the happy days spent on the road (not at the side of it).

If you’re even the slightest bit interested then make sure you come along to Brodie Castle on Sunday 13th August between 2pm and 4pm. Take a look at the broad range of vehicles (hopefully gleaming in the Scottish summer sunshine) and chat to a few owners.

If you can’t make it, you can find the Historic Wheels Club on Facebook and we meet throughout the year for club-nights, runs, and social events. There’s a monthly newsletter for members that provides articles, common sense advice and a good dose of humour.

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ACTIVITIES

A mixture of rolling hills, open fields and wooded areas that were once part of the original Caledonian Pine Forest, offer the visitor a truly memorable day out. And the fresh air comes free!

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he House of Mulben welcomes a crosssection of visitors, from the single individual keen to have a day’s fishing away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to families wanting a day out in the country, to corporate visitors from the Aberdeen and Inverness areas on team-bonding exercises involving quad biking and off-road driving.

Not forgetting the numerous overseas visitors of all nationalities that take home wonderful memories of a unique Scottish experience.

Time spent at the House of Mulben could involve clay pigeon shooting, quad biking, archery, off road driving (either as a driver or a passenger) or fishing for trout in one of three ponds. Packages can be arranged for permutations of these options for anything between one and fifty people. Anyone over the age of 16 can take part in any of the activities and no prior experience is needed, as full training is provided by fully trained and qualified instructors.

All equipment is included and all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and suitable clothing and sturdy footwear for the outdoors.

You can mix and match your activities to suit your requirements and your stay can be as short or as long as you wish.. At the end of your activities there are facilities for catering and barbecues. Or perhaps you would prefer to bring a picnic – the choice is yours.

Pre-booking of the activities is essential: a deposit of 30% is required on booking but this is fully refundable should you unfortunately have to cancel.

Visit

www.houseofmulben.com

email them at info@houseofmulben.com or call them on either 01542 860207 or 07774 651516

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et in the heart of beautiful Speyside - Malt Whisky Country, the House of Mulben offers a unique Scottish experience.

From Clay Pigeon Shooting to driving either a Quad Bike or 4x4 off Road Machine to the more tranquil pursuits of Family Fishing and Archery.

“A fantastic day out. I would recommend it to anyone�.

After all the fresh air, you can enjoy a fully cooked BBQ.

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Up-and-coming games and shows 8th July FORRES HIGHLAND GAMES

Turriff Show is the largest annual event to be held in Aberdeenshire and is the largest two-day Show in Scotland.

300 quality Trade Stands, Food Fayre, Indoor Shopping Mall, Exhibition Marquee, Ferguson Hall and Art & Crafts.

Main ring entertainment –

Kangaroo Kid Quad Bike Stunt Team

15th-16th July NEW DEER SHOW

29th July DUFFTOWN HIGHLAND GAMES

5th August ABERLOUR HIGHLAND GAMES

6th-7th August KEITH COUNTRY SHOW

FURTHER INFORMATION: Helen M. Paterson, Secretary Tel: 01466 781866 | Mobile: 07790 268899 Email: helen@turriffshow.org | www.turriffshow.org

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More What’s On - page 62

HERITAGE BUCKIE PIPE-BAND In the warm summer evenings of any year, the sound of pipes and drums can be heard by residents of Buckie, as the Buckie and District Pipe Band practice outside the Royal British Legion Clubrooms in the town.

18 pipers piping, 12 drummers drumming...

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he small fishing town of Buckie is fiercely proud of its pipe band and the band nurtures that pride by making sure that it is as visible as possible, playing at events in Buckie and the surrounding area throughout the year. 2017 is a very special year for the pipe band as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

The band, which currently has a membership of 18 pipers and 12 drummers, was formed in 1987 and each year has played at an average of 20 events, including several key Highland Games, local galas and other fundraising and social occasions throughout the north and north-east of Scotland. For the past two years it has successfully and proudly gained competition trophies at Forres Highland Games. Over the years, the members have travelled abroad together participating at a range of prestigious events, including St. Bezu, France, SintMichielsgestel, Holland and Moscow - they have also

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Buckie and District remembrance parade 1994

Clochan Gala 1993/4

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HERITAGE BUCKIE PIPE-BAND

participated in an extensive charitable parade at Holyrood in Edinburgh. In addition, individual members can often be found playing at ad-hoc events and celebrations throughout the area.

This coming July 29th sees the band play alongside the Gordon Highlanders Association and the London Scottish Pipe Bands at a Victoria Cross Memorial Parade within Buckie. The band is particularly proud and honoured to be invited to do so.

The band has been awarded Lottery funding and continues to be extremely grateful for the generous sponsorship of Breedon White Mountain which has enabled the Band to purchase uniform and musical kit that ensures that members are always smartly turned out and well-equipped.

The band is always keen to welcome new members and current members are always proactively on-hand to provide tuition at various levels for both pipes and drums.

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If you are interested in taking up a worthwhile hobby and would be interested in joining the Buckie and District Pipe Band family, please come along to one of their practices at the Royal British Legion Scotland Clubrooms at Buckie any Thursday at 6.30pm where you will be made very welcome. Alternatively, please visit their Facebook page and leave a message.

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“

engaging experience, entertaining & compelling!

V

irtual Worlds 4D is a powerful technologyled consumer experience. Virtual Worlds 4D delivers a ground-breaking, interactive virtual reality buying experience.

This amazing unique experience is now available at Oakwood Bathrooms, who are the first to bring this technology to Moray.

A futuristic, simulating headset is worn by the customer, it places them centre stage, in their designed bathroom space. Designs in 4D appear with unsurpassed depth, scale and parallax, and are capable of creating the excitement and adrenalin rush akin to those experienced by gamers. The 110 degree viewing angle places the customer directly in the room, rather than being on the outside looking in through a screen.

The response to eye movement is immediate, facilitating 360 degree head-tracking and interaction with moving elements of the room, including opening cupboards, looking inside drawers and stepping into showers.

The experience is engaging, entertaining and compelling.

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Create your Dream Bathroom Oakwood’s 20 years of experience in the bathroom industry means we can take the smallest of spaces and turn it into something special. Our hassle-free and creative approach can adapt to all budgets, whether we are taking control of the entire design process or providing your goods on a supply only basis.

Visit Our Moray Showroom Our unique showroom sits in an idyllic location in The Oakwood on the A96 between Elgin and Forres. This once historic cottage is now home to one of the most innovative bathroom design specialists in Moray. If seeing is believing then visiting is a pleasure in itself ...

The Oakwood, Forres Road, Elgin IV30 8UN

OAKWOOD BATHROOMS Lifestyle MAG

01343 555007 enquiries@oakwoodbathrooms.co.uk www.oakwoodbathrooms.co.uk 35

ART & CRAFTS WOOD-TURNING

There are hidden seams of creative talent running through the north east. Scratch the surface of any local community and you will come across a wealth of talented people creating amazing works of art, right across the spectrum.

G

ary Lowe, originally from Glasgow, is one such talented person. Gary now lives in Elgin. His background is in mechanical and aerospace engineering – as far removed from woodturning as you could possibly get.

Wood is one of nature’s most versatile materials and is extremely tactile. The satisfaction that can be gained from creating a beautiful and useful object is immense and no two hand-turned pieces will be alike.

Gary started woodturning in 2001 after reading some old turning magazines during a coffee break at work. He is completely self-taught and the latent talent that he had no idea he possessed has been nurtured by reading magazines 36

Gary creates pieces that glow from within - he calls this style of decoration ‘Cosmic Cloud’

and watching DVDs. From such a beginning, he has moved on to being a member of the AWGB (Association of Woodturners of Great Britain), is an accredited demonstrator and has passed their tutor/instructor assessment.

Gary says “I like all avenues of turning and am not afraid to experiment, sometimes letting the timber dictate the final outcome of the piece”. This willingness to be bold and adventurous has led Gary into colouring. Using mainly wood that has no character or colour in it, he creates stunning pieces that seem to glow from within. He has called this style of decoration “Cosmic Cloud” and he is known all over the world for it.

His willingness to share his knowledge and expertise has led Gary all over the country, giving tuition and demonstrations which he hopes will encourage people to take up the art of taking a simple block of wood and creating a thing of beauty.

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ART

AN ARTIST OF OUR TIME The complexity of painting a landscape is something Graeme Nairn regards with awe

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orn in Montrose in 1941, Graeme Nairn studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. He graduated after a 4-year course in which he specialised in Graphic Design. He then became a full-time musician and was closely associated with the Two Red Shoes Ballroom in Elgin. He subsequently worked as designer at Town Hall Craft Centre in Dornoch. After this he freelanced working for prestigious clients that included Highland Aromatics, Baxters, Edinburgh Preserves, Struan Honey and the House of Bruar. He continued to paint mainly to commission and also for a gallery/framer in Deeside which sent work to America. Graeme has always been captivated with the aesthetics of the work and the sheer beauty of good design. “Drawing is the life blood as far as I am concerned. The enormous complexity of painting a landscape is something I always regard with awe. I have no need for pretentious, intended to shock polemics”.

Graeme Nairn’s latest exhibition is at the Whale and Dolphin Centre in Spey Bay and runs from the 1st - 31st July.

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Working closely with Kerry Stewart of the Still Life Gallery in Aberlour, and with piscatorial advice from Brian Doran, Graeme Nairn has produced a map of some salmon pools on the River Spey. He has been commissioned, along with another local artist, Lesley Boyd, to produce a different take on existing maps of the Spey. Both maps will be a fresh look at one of the area’s great tourist and sporting attractions.

Prints of the pictures (framed, mounted or unmounted) depicted in the map, along with the complete map, will be available to buy at the Gallery. The new maps will be part of a forthcoming exhibition at the Gallery opening on 19th August - preview day is 18th August.

The exhibition will run until the end of September, coinciding with the end of the fishing season.

Painting, drawings and limited edition prints

by Sandy Gracie 8 July - 28 July 2017 Nicholson Building Gallery St Catherine’s Road, Forres Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm

GOING SOLO Local artist Sandy Gracie has his first solo exhibition in Forres this month.

F

ormally trained as an architect, Sandy Gracie was brought up and educated in Edinburgh. He gained a Diploma in Architecture with a distinction from Edinburgh College of Art. The course gave him skills in architecture but also in drawing and painting, sculpture, ceramics, dress design and printing. This stimulating mix of disciplines has provided the foundation for Sandy’s love of drawing which became a basis for his painting. After a successful career in architecture, which took him abroad, Sandy opened an office in Inverness and later ran his own successful, award-winning architectural practice in Dingwall.

On retirement, Sandy returned to drawing and painting; the two main sources of inspiration being the buildings and people of the Highlands and Italy. Although Sandy has shown his work in other local galleries, this show in Forres will be his first solo exhibition. It will feature new work alongside earlier drawings, paintings and limited edition prints.

To find out more about Sandy’s work or to make a purchase email sandyarch@madasafish.com

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ART GLENFIDDICH ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE 2017

Artists IN spirit This summer Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown will host its 16th International Artists in Residence programme.

The initiative, regarded as one of the best in the world, will see seven artists from around the globe live and work at the distillery for three months.

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his year’s Artists in Residence programme at the Glenfiddich Distillery features Chen Ching-Yuan (Taiwan), Zhang Ruyi (China), Stanislava Pinchuk (Australia), Sitaram Swain (India), Lee Henderson (Canada), Jeehee Park (Korea) and Fran Rokhlin (Scotland). The artists will use Glenfiddich’s unique atmosphere and heritage as inspiration. The final pieces produced by the artists will go on show to the public through a series of exhibitions starting on July 29th in the Distillery’s onsite Gallery.

Andy Fairgrieve, curator of the Glenfiddich Artists in Residence programme said: “A number of the artists already have ideas of what they would like to create during 40

their time here. For example, Stanislava’s work tends to revolve around conflict and its relationship with landscape.

She is particularly interested in Scottish tartans and how their colours link to plants that would have been available in different areas to dye the cloth. At the moment she is looking to interpret this through a series of perforated paper drawings. Lee Henderson, our Canadian artist, is intrigued by local ghost stories and aims to harness audio-visual technology to create some supernatural experiences, whilst Zhang Ruyi, from China, is inspired by our local tradition of home-baking and plans to use cupcake cases to create sculptural works.”

Main picture opposite: Han Seok Hyun - Reverse/ Rebirth Project - Antlers 2015. Below - left to right: Joyce Ho – When Cold is Colder II, 2014; Alex Frost – The Connoisseurs 2009; SUSO33 – Pinturas Negras, 2014;

The opportunity to see the work of renowned international artists across fields ranging from sculpture, painting and drawing to installations and print work is relatively rare. The Glenfiddich programme provides local people with an insight into the creative processes of artists from diverse countries and cultures.

In total the distillery will host three exhibitions of work across the summer, delivering a changing programme to visit. Works from previous participants in the Glenfiddich Artists in Residence programme are on display year-round both in the distillery grounds and inside the production areas.

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The Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Exhibitions 1st exhibition: July 29th to August 20th (launch viewing July 28th) 2nd exhibition: August 26th – September 24th (launch viewing August 25th) 3rd exhibition: September 30th – October 15th (launch viewing September 29th) The Gallery, located beside the Glenfiddich Distillery main car park, will be open daily throughout the exhibition periods from Wednesday to Sunday 12.30pm – 5pm (closed Monday/Tuesday). Admission free.

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}

ART RICHARD WAITT

What a homecoming..

}

Granted!

{ COURTESY NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF SCOTLAND

Richard Waitt’s portraits are scattered across Scotland. But this summer a collection of his paintings will be brought together in Grantown-on-Spey - the original Clan Grant country

F

or a relatively small town, Grantown-on-Spey has a very forward-thinking museum. Burnfield House, home of the museum, was purchased in 1995 for £150,000 with money raised entirely from private sources.

Since its doors opened in April 1999 it has been proud to present various exhibitions to the public.

Its latest exhibition is beyond superlative. The museum is both privileged and delighted to be able to present an exhibition of paintings by Richard Waitt. This is a groundbreaking exhibition and the museum is proud to be making history by bringing together this collection of paintings for the first time. In a sense, after three hundred years, Richard Waitt is coming home to Grantown-on-Spey.

Richard Waitt’s paintings are scattered all over Scotland; some are in prestigious galleries, such as the National Museum of Scotland, The Scottish National Portrait Gallery and others are in private hands. The museum has achieved a veritable coup, after intricate negotiations, to be able to

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COURTESY REIDHAVEN ESTATE

}

Left, Piper to The Laird of Grant and right, Champion of The Laird of Grant

show such an acclaimed collection.

The exhibition will be housed in the museum’s main gallery, which has been temporarily redesigned to present the paintings in their best light, and will run from Friday 21st July to Tuesday 31st October. It will be a marvellous opportunity to see these paintings, which give us an insight into real life as it was three hundred years ago. Amongst the studies on display will be the ‘Piper to the Laird of

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Grant’ and the much-copied ‘Champion of the Laird of Grant’ and this is the first time that these two paintings will be re-united.

Born in Edinburgh in 1684, Richard Waitt is thought to have grown up and, under John Scougal, the eminent Edinburgh painter, served his apprenticeship as an artist in the capital. After the 1707 Act of Union abolished the Scottish Parliament from Edinburgh, most artists (or picture 43

ART RICHARD WAITT COURTESY NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND

drawers as portraitists were commonly called) moved down to London, now the seat of political power. Waitt, however, did not follow his contemporaries and never left his native Scotland.

In the period prior to 1713 Richard Waitt executed numerous portrait commissions until the day in the latter half of that year when he was invited by Brigadier Alexander Grant of Grant to paint his portrait, as well as those of his sister Margaret and brothers George and Lewis. In addition, Waitt was to paint full length portraits of Alexander Grant ‘Mor’ and William Cummine, better known as The Laird’s Piper and his Champion. Thanks to the existence of a receipt for these paintings we know that Waitt was paid £5 for the full length paintings and £1.5s for the head and shoulders studies.

Thanks to that first commission from Brigadier Alexander, Chief of Clan Grant, Waitt was effectively launched as the Grants’ painter and for 20 years, between 1713 and 1733, painted not only his family but also his servants, bards and ministers. At the end of this 20 year period Waitt was finishing what is now recognised as the biggest ever single commission of family portraits in 18th Century Europe.

IWaitt also painted other members of the clan - the Grants of Ballindalloch and the Grants of Monymusk, as well as the Roses of Kilravock, who commissioned him to paint not only living relatives but also long-dead ancestors.

At some point, possibly as a direct consequence of his being involved in the paintings commissioned by the

Above, Richard Waitt self-portrait and right, Nic Cimrain The Hen Wife, 1706

}

Clan }Grant

Richard Waitt Exhibition Grantown-on-Spey Museum Burnfield House 21st July 31st October

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COURTESY REIDHAVEN ESTATE

TheGallery inAberlour FINE ART & FRAMING SCOTTISH LAN DSCAP ES WI LDLI F E Roses of Kilravock, Richard Waitt moved to Inverness and we know that he died in 1733, aged 49, in that city.

His work for the Clan Grant gives a unique insight into the turbulent, but interesting, times between the two Jacobite uprisings. This exhibition, sponsored by Bonhams and made possible thanks to support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Berry Burn Community Fund and Johnston Carmichael Wealth, is accompanied by a diverse programme of events. This programme includes a valuation day with Bonhams valuers, a family fun day where actors will breathe life into the characters from the paintings and a one day conference about Richard Waitt, his work and the culture he came from.

More information about this exhibition can be found on the museum’s website www.grantownmuseum. co.uk or by email info@grantownmuseum.co.uk or by calling them on 01479 872 478.

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F ISH I NG & WH ISKY EXQUISITE WOOD TURN I NG P OTTERY & CARDS

STILL LIFE STUDIO PICTURE FRAMER & GALLERY 126 HIGH ST ABERLOUR . AB38 9NX 01340 871457 or 07766 704910

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ewe & me A shop filled with beautiful things, chosen with care for you or someone special!

The Bank Café & Restaurant No. 2 The Square Huntly AB54 8AE

(Only 10 mins walk from Huntly Train Station)

Café Open: Wed - Sun 10am - 4.30pm (Closed Every Mon & Tues) Lunch Served Noon - 2.30pm

Afternoon Teas Every Saturday & Sunday 2.30pm – 4.00pm (Pre-booking essential)

Restaurant Open Fri, Sat & Sun 6.00pm till late

79 High Street, Aberlour Tel: 01340 871283 82-84 High Street Grantown-on-Spey Tel: 01479 872911

Reservations: 07955 710755

North East of Scotland Restaurant of the Year 2016 - Runner Up www.thebankhuntly.co.uk Find us on

s d a l a s r e m m u S s u o i c i l De ! g o o W e h t @ OPEN Monday -Saturday 10-5.30pm Sundays 11-5pm • Easy parking Regent Square, Keith • T: 01542 888077 www.boogiewoogieshop.com E: boogiewoogieshop@gmail.com

Cafe • Gifts • Boutique 46

For special offers and our daily menu: www.facebook.com/boogiewoogieshop

SHOPPING

From food to fabric

Baxters, famous for its soup, opens its doors to a new clothing store at the Highland Village in Fochabers

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axters Highland Village has relaunched its clothing and accessories shop. The floor space devoted to hand-picked clothing brands has been doubled offering over 1,100 square feet of fashion. Three major brands have joined the collection, Tulchan, Brook Taverner and Jack Murphy.

About the new range Tulchan’s designers draw inspiration from their base in the Lake District and the peaks of the Yorkshire Dales by using unique print and product lines created in Lancashire. Jack Murphy create irresistible Irish clothing for style-conscious individuals looking for distinctive designs combining country style with a contemporary aesthetic. Brook Taverner has been honing its reputation for craftsmanship for over 100 years, and offer a subtle take on key fashion themes, bringing their latest menswear look bang up-todate.

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Whether you’re searching for accent pieces in signature colours, a suit that’ll take you across the world and back again, or some stylish accessories to add the finishing touch to your outfit, we’re sure you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in the new department.

With such a wonderful selection of clothing to choose from, along with Baxter’s newly refurbished food hall, cook shop, alcohol and gifts shop and a new restaurant menu, make sure you visit the Highland Village soon.

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DRINK

YO HO HO AND A

The RuM Stand aside whisky and gin, there’s a new kid on the block...

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PICTURE: MARC AT CHIT-CHAT PR

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hink Scotland, think whisky. In Moray, there are sixty distilleries within a fifty-mile radius - worldwide exports and a product that needs no introduction.

Today, our world of whisky has been infiltrated by another spirit – gin – and we are seeing increasingly more and more artisan gins on the shelves of bars, restaurants and supermarkets. Gin looks set to give whisky a run for its money.

However, there will be another contender for the title of most popular spirit in the very near future. Rum. Forget the pre-conceived notion that rum is a masculine drink normally associated with the Caribbean pirates, all that is about to change. The people who are at the forefront of this change are David and Lara Beach, two totally committed young people from Hopeman.

David and Lara have a very clear vision of what they want from life. They have the perfect surname, which has provided the name for their business – Beach Craft – and which is also indicative of their love of the sea, the beach and the laid-back lifestyle associated with the shore.

Consider the effect that lazy days spent beach combing, watching the sunset and having a driftwood fire to warm you when the sun has gone down can have on you. Good friends, simple food and good conversation result in wonderful memories to mull over. Enter David and Lara’s world and embrace their lifestyle.

MAIN PICTURE: JO MILLER

YO deal HO

A BOTTLE OF RUM David has a degree in brewing from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and has 16 years’ experience in the drinks industry, latterly with drinks giant Diageo.

He has been involved in the development of many craft beers and has extensive knowledge of the brewing and distillation processes: with a great-grandfather a brewer in the Midlands, brewing is in his blood. Lara is a universityeducated professional in the health care sector and is the perfect person to front the business as brand ambassador. Together they make a formidable team.

They have researched the market assiduously.

There are craft breweries and craft gin distilleries but no

rum distillery in the local area. The first rum distillery in Scotland was Dark Matter, located in Banchory in Deeside.

Others have followed, located mainly in the central belt, which produce a range of spirits including rum, but there is no other dedicated craft rum distillery.

David and Lara’s intention to create a craft distillery was to make their own spirit from scratch instead of buying in the distilled product, and the choice of premises was all-important. They wanted to be as close to the beach as possible and to have sufficient floor space to be able to accommodate their business as it grew. After much searching, they chose premises at Covesea, near their home and their beach lifestyle, with a view of the lighthouse and an abundant private water supply.

HO

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DRINK THE RUM DEAL

‘To produce rum you need three basic ingredients: water, yeast and molasses...’

The water and the yeast are readily available here but the sugar cane (from which the molasses comes) needs a warm climate and – more importantly - no frost, so has to be imported. We can grow sugar beet in the UK but David and Lara are perfectionists and purists and only molasses from sugar cane would do.

Their journey from the initial idea of starting a craft rum distillery to being able to produce a quality product has been relatively rapid and eminently satisfying. But it cannot be done without help and guidance from others and, in this respect, both David and Lara are magnanimous in their praise for all those who have been involved from day one. Where possible, they have used local companies to provide all the essential services.

Attention to detail is paramount and everything, from product to presentation, has been thoroughly researched and carefully thought out. Everything has to be perfect; nothing must be left to chance and second-best just will not do. The design of the bottle was crucial. Sample bottles were ordered and each and every one analysed for shape, style and visual impact. What they wanted was a bottle that perfectly encapsulated their lifestyle and would look completely at home on the beach – almost as if it had just been washed up, with message enclosed. The

stopper had to be perfect as well; no screw-top, no plastic, nothing that would spoil the overall effect and, after careful consideration, they chose a cork. The label had to give out a clear, unequivocal message and several designs were considered and rejected until the eventual winner was found. To finish off the presentation, a sea shell collected from the beach at Hopeman and held around the neck of the bottle by a piece of jute twine would pull everything together. Perfect, everything in harmony.

They make three different types of rum – spiced, sloe and intense. David is the expert behind the list of natural ingredients needed for each type and he is not afraid to experiment, spending hours combining fruits, herbs and spices until he gets the combination of flavours he is looking for. For him, experimentation is the key to a truly unique end product.

Beach Craft has been shown at various Rum Festivals around the country, including Norwich in May and, more recently, Glasgow in June, where their product was exceptionally well received. Forthcoming festivals will

YO PICTURE: JO MILLER

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be held at Leeds on the 15th and 16th September and Edinburgh on the 29th and 30th September. If their busy schedule permits, David and Lara will hopefully attend Speyside Food and Drinks Festival in Elgin in September and they are booked in to attend the Spirits Show in London in December.

Perhaps the Beach’s raison d’être is best summed up by David himself: “The beach is where I feel most at home. It is a place where worries drift away like the retreating tide. It relaxes me and I take enjoyment from using its gorgeous natural beauty whether it be kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, beachcombing, family days at the beach, snorkeling, swimming, BBQs… the list is endless”.

The Beach Craft menu SPICED RUM a “citrus and spice and all things nice”.

Enjoy it straight, over ice or with a favourite mixer.

Put a dash into coffee or take hot chocolate to another level altogether. A true beach party of a rum.

SLOE RUM is sloe gin with a different set of clothes, this time a fraying straw hat and a pair of brightly coloured baggies. The surfing lifestyle in a bottle.

Great with crushed ice in a cocktail with a catchy name.

INTENSE RUM as its name implies, has attitude.

Blending fruit, coffee and liquorice it is the perfect after-dinner, late-night treat. Bold and sophisticated, it is pure liquid indulgence.

‘After much searching, David and Lara chose premises at Covesea, near their home and their beach lifestyle, with a view of the lighthouse and an abundant private water supply.’

Lifestyle MAG

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1 - 2 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 - E LG I N TOW N H A L L O N E R E G I O N , U N D E R O N E RO O F

Bringing together the best of Speyside’s single malt whisky and gin distillers, craft brewers and food producers under one roof.

Masterclasses, mini mixology sessions and more...

W W W. D I ST I L L E D. SCOT #distilled17

B A K I N G G R E AT P R O D U C T S F O R F O U R G E N E R AT I O N S I N T H E S COT T I S H H I G H L A N D S

Scotland at its best.

W W W.MACL E ANS BAKERY.CO M

O U R D E L IC IO U S STRAW BER RY TA RTS

of the year 2017

of the year 2017

ST RAWB ERRI ES SO URCE D LO CAL LY FROM WESTER HARDMUIR FARM, 3 MILES FROM THE BAKERY SBYA17 Retail baker.indd 1

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11/04/2017SBYA17 20:35 Regional Bronze Biscuit.indd 11/04/2017 1 20:20

DRINK

The great Speyside shake off Following its soaraway success, Spirt of Speyside: Distilled returns to Moray – with a greater range of home-grown flavours.

W

orld-leading drinks brands will join small artisan producers for the weekend festival at Elgin Town Hall on September 1 and 2 in a showcase of Speyside’s finest whisky, gin, beer and food. Classic drams will be served alongside contemporary cocktails.

It’s not just about tastes that makes the Speyside region – home to more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries – renowned worldwide. Distilled gives opportunities to experience and learn more about the flavours, through a range of tutorials or ‘masterclasses’ staged by experts. Festival manager Pery Zakeri says, “Distilled is a melting-pot of fantastic flavours and wonderful personalities all sharing their enthusiasm for fine food and drink. It offers the chance to enjoy different tastes, as well as broadening knowledge of food and drink through our menu of masterclasses” This celebration of Speyside’s food and drink features four different sessions taking place from 1-5pm and 6-10pm each day. Tickets are priced at £20 which includes entry, six vouchers for tasting gin, whisky or beer, a lanyard and a Glencairn crystal nosing and tasting glass.

While you’re waiting for the Distilled 2017 try this dark and dreamy cocktail featuring Elgin’s very own El:gin.

El:gin Espresso 25ml El:gin, 25ml Kahlua, a dash of Cointreau, 50ml espresso or really strong coffee. Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add ingredients and shake hard.

Strain into martini glass. Garnish with dried orange.

Crafted in the Heart of Malt Whisky Country.

Tickets for Distilled are available now!

With limited places available, food and drink lovers are urged to get in quick to ensure they don’t miss out. For more information and to book tickets visit www.distilled.scot

Lifestyle MAG

Batch Distilled in a Traditional Copper Still.

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EATING OUT 1629, LOSSIEMOUTH

'Oh, we do like to eat Three friends out for a meal. It’s a perfect evening in Lossiemouth, with no wind and a summer sun casting golden shadows on the sandy beach.

What more could you wish for?

T

he restaurant we have chosen is one that is as close to the beach as you could possibly get. The 1629 is renowned for its seafood and continental dishes and one that we have not tried before.

We intend to have three courses but not all in the same section of David Guidi’s establishment. We will start with a pre-dinner drink (nothing alcoholic, as we are all in charge of our own transport) and this will be in Smugglers. Our starters will be served in Guidi’s; then we will move on to the main course, in The 1629 Restaurant and, finally, the dessert will be enjoyed in La Caverna. It might sound a little wacky but it worked – and it worked well.

From the outside, the uninitiated could be forgiven for thinking that this is just a seaside restaurant with chairs and tables outside for warm, sunny days. It is much more than that and at the end of the evening we will be asking ourselves why it had taken so long to visit The 1629.

Smugglers Whisky and Gin Bar is the perfect place to sit and wind down after a busy day or as a precursor to an evening of fine dining. Tastefully decorated in shades

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of brown, taupe and black with framed old photographs on the walls, it is divided into intimate little spaces perfect for a private chat or for simply enjoying the newspaper or a magazine. The service is unobtrusive and slick, the background music does not intrude and everything is designed to make you relax. Our drinks were presented with a smile, we selected our respective starters and at no point were we made to feel that our table awaited and we must move on.

But move on we did – into Guidi’s, the latest part of The 1629. Developed in 2015 on the site of the old Lossie Inn, it is a pizzeria and ice cream parlour, decorated in the same restful tones as Smugglers. We have all ordered something different; garlic prawns with crusty bread; crostini with

beside the Seaside...'

‘Garlic prawns with crusty bread, crostini with mushrooms and mozzarella’ mushrooms and mozzarella and parma ham and melon.

Gasps all round when they arrived. They were extremely substantial and not far off the size of a main course. Each and every dish was superb and the presentation could not be faulted. In its own way, each dish was a work of art; plain white crockery decorated with a swirl of balsamic vinegar and crisp, fresh salad ingredients. It is said that initially you eat with your eyes – looking at our dishes we just knew that they would be superb. And they were.

How could these starters possibly be improved upon, PICTURES: DAMIAN CONNELL EMAIL DAMIANC@REDISLE.COM WEB: WWW.REDISLE.COM PHONE: 01343 508109

PICTURE: JANE RIX

Lifestyle MAG

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FOOD 1629, LOSSIEMOUTH as the bar had been set very high indeed.

We left Guidi’s and went up the outside stairs to The 1629. Decorated like the interior of an opulent Italian villa of old, once inside the atmosphere wraps itself around you immediately; soft leather sofas await, the lighting is discrete, menus are presented and then the difficult bit begins.

‘There are specials The list of dishes is extensive and each and boards offering every one is a winner, making it very difficult lobster and to choose. In addition to the printed menu langoustines from there are specials boards offering, amongst the west coast’ other delights, lobster and langoustines from the west coast.

Fillet of Sea Bass Rimini (grilled fillet of sea bass on a bed of chorizo, prawns, asparagus, sundried tomato, finished in a garlic and lemon oil), Pollo Oriental (chicken supreme went downstairs again but this time into La Caverna, an filled with tiger prawns, original 17th Century vaulted stone salt cellar. A great scallops and spring onions atmospheric meeting place for a breakfast, a casual coffee drizzled with sweet chilli or a full meal. Regular open mic evenings are held and the and coriander sauce) and place can become fairly lively. There was one such event Boeuf Karachi (cuts of fillet on when we were there and it was great to sing along steak dusted with curry to golden oldies whilst nibbling on the most incredibly powder, turmeric, Karachi creamy cheesecake I have had in a long time.

Truth be told, the portions were so generous that two spices, finished with a cream yoghurt sauce and rice). of us could not finish, which was a great pity. Would we And, as if all this was not go again? Most definitely. The prices are competitive, the enough, additional seasonal portions are extremely generous, the ambience is just vegetables in a sharing dish right and the service quick and friendly. Nothing is too much trouble and owner, David Guidi, makes it his mission and homemade bread.

Perfection! All credit to the chef and his staff for not to ensure that your evening runs as smoothly as possible. only superb food but superb presentation. And now for Is it any wonder that people keep coming back to The dessert. For the final part of our gastronomic evening we 1629 time and time again?

‘La Caverna, an original 17th century vaulted stone salt cellar’

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Tipsy Tea parTies all Venues

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priVaTe parTy Selection of menus available

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all Venues

oId To apovInTmenT

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The rustic charm of the Mill House is the ideal choice for a wedding day to remember

1629

Tel: 01542 850395 / 850298 Try Our

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The

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1629

visit also Guidi’s

The

Moray’s No.1 Continental & Seafood Restaurant

Pizzeria, Italian Tapas Bar & Ice Cream Parlour

20 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth, Moray

Tel: 01343 815944

Lifestyle MAG

18 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth, Moray

Tel: 01343 815944

20 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth, Moray

Tel: 01343 813743/813027

Find us on Facebook

La Caverna Pizzeria, Ristorante & Bistro

Tel: 01343 813 027

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HEALTH & WELL-BEING

VAN ON A MISSION

Thanks to a local pharmacist, no-one goes short of a prescription - whatever the weather Alves to Mosstodloch and the Elgin area is the hunting ground for a nippy little white van on a mission. This particular white van is driven by Andy (Bishopmill Pharmacy’s dedicated driver) and has been in operation for three years. Prior to the van’s purchase, pharmacy owner Alastair Smith would use his own car for the purpose of collecting and delivering prescriptions. The van is extremely busy and is on the go five days a week between 11am and 5.30pm. At the same time, thanks to the effective

colourful signwriting, the van promotes various aspects of the pharmacy’s activities, from digital photographic printing to home-brewing.

The collection and delivery service

BISHOPMILL P H A R M A C Y

For all your health, beauty & pharmaceutical needs INDEPENDENT AID SUPPLIERS AGENTS FOR BETTERLIFE PATTERSON MEDICAL AND WAYS & MEANS

NATURAL SKIN CARE

HELPING YOU TO ACHIEVE AN INDEPENDENT LIFE

is an integral part of the pharmacy’s commitment to the local community and there are several customers who would be totally lost without it. On Saturdays or, at times, after hours, the deliveries still continue, handdelivered by Alastair, by car and – many times it has to be said - on his bicycle. The pharmacy’s reputation has been built upon Alastair’s attitude to his customers – their needs are paramount and he and his staff strive to deliver the very best customer service possible.

BISHOPMILL P H A R M A C Y

GOING ON YOUR TRAVELS?

BE PREPARED!!!

ALL YOUR MEDICATION AND ADVICE NEEDS CATERED FOR AT BISHOPMILL PHARMACY

HOME BREW Also Stockists for 20 North St, Bishopmill, Elgin IV30 4EF 01343 547374 / 547393 • bishopmillpharmacy.co.uk

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DIGITAL PICTURES AVAILABLE INSTANTLY!!

Check out the Kodak Moments app

10 essential warm-up stretches with Petra

Feel-good fitness Why risk painful pulled muscles? This easy warm-up takes just 5-10 minutes and gets your body stretched, relaxed and ready for any activity.

1 Breathe in and up Stand with feet hip width apart, knees ‘soft’, and arms relaxed. Inhale deeply, floating arms out and up above your head. Stretch up and hold breath, floating arms down as you exhale.

Do this three times.

2 Stretch neck Slowly turn head from side-to-side; extend movement to bring chin down to chest.

3 Full body twist Take straight right arm across body, gently pulling in.

Breathe in and lift ribcage; twisting round anticlockwise as you breathe out. Repeat on other side.

4 Rotate ankles, knees & hips Lift foot and rotate ankle in circles clockwise, then anticlockwise.

Repeat on other leg.

Lifestyle MAG

Bring knee up into 90° angle. Rotate lower leg in circles from the knee; both directions, both sides.

Take leg out at 45° angle. Rotate whole leg from the hip; both directions, both sides.

5 Stretch calves Step forward with one leg bent, knee over toes. Keep back leg straight, heel on the ground. Push hips forward and hold till calf muscle relaxes into stretch. Change legs and repeat.

6 Stretch hamstrings Bend back leg and straighten front, then fold at hips, holding tummy muscles in and pushing bum back with spine straight. Hold till front leg hamstring relaxes.

Change legs.

7 Stretch quads Bring one foot up to your bum with knee pointing to floor. Hold it till thigh relaxes into stretch. Change legs.

8 Circle your hips With feet apart for balance, trace increasing circles clockwise with hips.

Reverse direction.

9 Flex wrists, elbows, arms Extend arms out in front, palms up, inner edges touching. Curl wrists in, down and out, with backs of hands making contact and arms extending to stretch to front. Reverse movement. Do this twice then let extended arms float out towards back to open chest. (Pictures at top.)

10 Rotate shoulders With feet hip width apart, bend then push up from knees, letting movement rise into shoulders as you bring them up to ears, back and down. Do this three times, then repeat, rotating shoulders forward.

Now you’ll feel ready for anything!

Look for Feel-good fitness in the August issue.

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FERGUS EWING MSP Fergus Ewing MSP Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity

Getting connected is key Digital connectivity fundamentally affects how we live our lives.

It determines how we access information, learn and communicate with the world. That is why it is at the heart of our digital strategy published earlier this year, setting out ambitious targets to be met, including: Delivering superfast broadband to every home and business in Scotland by 2021; l Building digital literacy to equip our young people with the sophisticated and creative digital skills they need to thrive. l Working with industry to improve mobile coverage.

We are investing over ÂŁ400 million to l

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ensure fibre broadband is available to 95 per cent of premises by the end of 2017. Without this investment, only 28 per cent of premises in Moray would have been reached. Now villages including Glenlivet, Tomintoul and Carron are benefitting from fibre broadband, providing a strong foundation on which we can build to meet our future digital goals.

Through our commitment we seek to realise the full digital potential of those living and working in Moray, the North-East and Scotland as a whole. All of which is critical to our ambitions to become a fairer, more inclusive society, and a more prosperous economy.

Fergus Ewing

✁

PIN ME, KEEP ME

Speyfire

Fire Safety Equipment Service & Supply

Willie Peter 07936 839382 7 Hedge Road • Garmouth • IV32 7NU e: willie@speyfire.co.uk w: www.speyfire.co.uk t: 01343 870244

Andrew Murray 10 Main Road Rathven Buckie AB56 4DW

01542 833324 07974 953843 mail@andrewmurrayelectrician.com

• Health and Safety

Unit 20, Coulardbank Industrial Estate, Lossiemouth IV31 6NG Tel: 01343 815166reception@ safehandshealthandsafety.co.uk

Lifestyle MAG

Services • Site Inspections/ Reports • CDM Advisor Services • Auditing Services • Accident Investigation • Training Providers British Safety Council approved 61

WHAT’S ON

July

Do you have an event for August’s edition?

If so, please email details to: diary@mms-publishing.scot and we will try and include it next time.

1-8

7-8

9

LOSSIEMOUTH SEAFEST Lossiemouth Seafest is back. The community of Lossiemouth and visitors come out to celebrate our fishing heritage and the importance of seafood to the local economy. www.facebook.com/ lossieseafest

MANDY ANDERSON EXHIBITION The Gallery, Logie Steading, Forres Mandy’s first exhibition which is being held in The Gallery, Logie Steading near Forres. Open 7 days a week from 10am til 5pm. A must for any local or visitor who enjoys a day out in a gorgeous setting.

MURDER ON THE TERRACE OUTDOOR THEATRE Gordon Castle Walled Garden A farcical romp through English entertainment, this original, interactive, outdoor murder mystery

by David Kerby-Kendall is part Downton, part Agatha Christie, and a whole lot of fun. So bring your picnic, your chair and come armed with your sleuthing skills to see if you can figure out ‘whodunit’!

1-31 GRAEME NAIRN EXHIBITION Whale & Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay A small exhibition of recent paintings

by Graeme Nairn at the Whale and Dolphin Centre, Tugnet, Spey Bay. The focus of the work is the mouth of the Spey, the villages of Kingston and Tugnet and the ever-changing sea.

12-4 Aug

3-24 WOODWORK SKILLS FOR KIDS West Lodge, Cooper Park Join us for wood workshops for primary school children, to learn how to use woodworking tools and make a boomerang, boat, or wooden jewellery. Booking is essential email: enquiries@earthtime.co.uk

7 TOMINTOUL MOTORCYCLE GATHERING Tomintoul, Ballindalloch You all know the craic, 2 days, 2 nights, bikes, bikes, bikes, rock, roll, beer... just the usual...

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8 FORRES HIGHLAND GAMES Forres Traditional heavy events, massed pipe bands, cycling, track & field, solo piping, 10k road race, tug o’ war, licensed bar and side stalls.

9 FAMILY FUN DAY Marine Park, Lossiemouth Free entry to all for our annual fun day! Bouncy castles, games, entertainment and music. BBQ.

FAIRBURN ACTIVITY CENTRE Muir of Ord From 9.30am - 4.30pm Discount for weekly bookings at just £95.00 per person for the full week.

All activities offered are suitable for age 8+. 25-minute drive North of Inverness. Maximum capacity of 15 per group so spaces will be limited.

Contact the booking office email: emma@fairburn.co.uk

14-16 LOSSIEMOUTH FOLK CLUB FESTIVAL Various locations The epitome of chilled festivals, encourages performers to play ‘for the craic’ in the spirit of celebrating traditional music and tales. Free entertainment - great atmosphere at this small festival by the sea. Times and prices vary throughout w/e.

29 DUFFTOWN HIGHLAND GAMES Celebrating 125 years, whether you are a competitor in one of our many events, live in the area and looking for the perfect day out for the family, or have come to Scotland from any part of the world, this is the ideal outing for you.

29 16-22

17-21

HOPEMAN GALA Hopeman Our headline event this year is the Bryan Adams Tribute Act on 21st July.

Tickets are available now at shops in the village for £10 per person. Soup & sweet, variety show, tombola, craft sessions, Mad Hatter tea party and drumming sessions.

CRAZY CIRCUS SUMMER WEEK Green Drive Hall, Inverness 2pm-4pm.

Is your child Interested in the performing arts, the circus or creating sets and costume? Join Trapeze Entertainment using circus skills, drama, puppetry and arts and crafts to create a show at the end of the week.

15-16 NEW DEER SHOW Craigieford Park, New Deer Situated in the heart of Buchan, Aberdeenshire this full two-day show has one of the largest horse shows in the area, top quality livestock competing for many prizes in their classes, industrial classes, food and trade stands and much much more.

Adults £10, 12-16yrs and OAPs £5 Under 12s Free

16 DRIFT CARS CRIMOND RACEWAY, Fraserburgh Like the Crail drifting, you just show up with a helmet, pay a few quid and start drifting.1pm.

Lifestyle MAG

20-23 FOCHABERS GALA Fochabers Various events starting on Thursday 20th with the crowning of the Gala Queen, other events include tombola, duck race, quiz night, junior race, children’s activities, strawberry teas and gala concert.

28-30 SPEYFEST Fochabers Speyfest annual Celtic music festival, offering 3 days of the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music. See page 66.

GORDON HIGHLANDER VC PARADE Buckie 12.30pm-10pm To honour George McIntosh from Buckie, who won the Victoria Cross in the first world war

August 3 MBW BARBECUE BEACH CRAFT HQ Covesea 6.30pm - 9.30pm Open to non MBW members. Visit www.mbwc.org.uk or to book email events@mbwc.org.uk

5 ABERLOUR HIGHLAND GAMES Annual Highland Games. The day will include a packed programme of track and field events plus stalls and other new attractions for all the family.

Competitors of all ages and standards are welcome.

6-7 KEITH COUNTRY SHOW Keith See page 33 Visit: www.keithshow.org.uk for more information.

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COMPETITIONS

Closing Date for all competitions - 4th August email: competitions@mms-publishing.scot

WIN, WIN, WIN...

FREE TICKETS FOR 2!

We have some fantastic giveaways this month from a glamping experience at The Loft, Forres to a Strawberry Tea donated by Boogie Woogie - both for two people. Gary Lowe has handturned an ornamental vase for his winner and Beach Craft would like you to sample a bottle of their Spiced rum. Speyfest has given Lifestyle a pair of tickets for a concert, a stomp or the Sunday festival. And we have a pair of tickets to the Keith Show to give away.

Glamping for two: GLAMPJULY Strawberry tea: BOOGIESTRAWB Vase: VASELOWE Spiced rum: BEACHRUM Speyfest tickets: WINSPEYFEST Simply email competitions@ mms-publishing.scot with your name and address or send a postcard to: Lifestyle Magazine, MMS-Almac, Unit 6, Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, IV30 1XY - remember to state your competition codes!

Where's Felix?

Win tickets to the Keith Show

Our furry-friend Felix is on his travels again - can you guess where he is this time? If you recognise this place then email or send your answer using the address left.

May competition winners...

Congratulations to all of our May winners.

We have received hundreds of responses and have been over-whelmed by your letters and emails... but keep ‘em coming.

Who knows, your name might be on the list next month.

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Stuart Macbride’s Book Mrs Sheila Webster, Dufftown Pop Up Designs Emmy McCrow, Grantown -on-Spey Hair + Body Mechanics Makeover Joan Stewart, Cullen Oakwood bathrooms Molton Brown Gift Set Mrs Bailey, Bolton Amazing Fashions/Fitness Lesley Skene, Buckie Bottle of Macallan Gold Mrs June Jack Elchies, Craigellachie The Clifton Meal for 2 John Luckwell, Elgin Fabric of Time Designs Clock & Cufflinks Irene Stephen, Buckie

delicious, freshly cooked & locally sourced food OPENING TIMES

Please come and visit for a quiet drink in a nice relaxing atmosphere

TEAS, COFFEE & DRINKS 10am - 10pm all week LUNCH & LIGHT BITES Mon to Thurs 12noon - 2pm Fri, Sat & Sun 12noon - 4pm DINNER Mon to Thurs 5pm - 9pm Fri & Sat 4pm - 9pm Sun 4pm - 8pm CLIFTON ROAD LOSSIEMOUTH . IV31 6DJ

01343 812100 www.cliftonhotel.net info@cliftonhotel.net

Lifestyle MAG

Speciality Cocktails Over 50 Gins...

Over 30 Whiskies... & various other premium spirits...

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WHAT’S ON

Celtic meets Country...

At the end of July, the playing fields on East Street in the Moray town of Fochabers will be home to the 22nd annual Speyfest – three days of the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music.

Once again, concerts and stomps will proliferate at Speyfest 2017. Here’s a taste of what to expect: The tented village will host a variety of events including the music marathon, a craft and food fair and a Sunday Celtic kirk service. l Hands-on cookery sessions with Oakwood Cookery School. Chef Amanda Green will demonstrate how to make Mexican Salmon Tacos, then it’s over to you to prepare your own takeaway dish. l

SPEYFEST FRIDAY 28TH TO SUNDAY 30TH JULY 2017

‘the best in traditional and contemporary celtic music’

RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS BLAZIN’ FIDDLES . BOMBSKARE MANRAN . TALISK THE ELEPHANT SESSIONS TIDELINES . CC SMUGGLERS FINDLAY NAPIER TRIO NORDIC FIDDLERS BLOC THE CLAIRE HASTINGS BAND SCOTT WOOD BAND COCO AND THE BUTTERFIELDS PLUS MANY MORE...

TRADITIONAL MUSIC WORKSHOPS YOUNG ENTERTAINER COMPETITION CRAFT AND FOOD FAIR WITH TASTINGS ECUMENICAL CELTIC KIRK SERVICE TO FIND OUT MORE:

VISIT WWW.SPEYFEST.COM

programme may be subject to change without prior notice . for more information and terms and conditions visit www.Speyfest.com . Speyfest Association SCIO, SC046959

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Emma will take you on a Glen Moray Whisky journey, this year guests will be treated to “ploughmans” food tasting carefully selected to accompany each whisky. l Gin Tastic Tasting is a chance to meet the “brewer” with El:Gin, Caorunn and Rock Rose Gin producers and will have Inshriach joining the tasting. l Stramash will be on-site on Sunday afternoon, eager to teach families the skills in shelter-building. l The Speyfest youth programme delivers a varied programme for young supporters in the lead up and during the festival weekend. The Speyfest Young Entertainer competition encourages budding performers including instrumentalists, singers, dancers, poets and comedians. l Speyfest workshops are being led by students and tutors from East Tennessee State University, USA. The workshops are open to all traditional instrumentalists and are free. l

Speyfest runs from 28th to 30th July inclusive.

Tickets can be purchased online at www. speyfest.com or from Sound and Vision in Elgin. You can also buy tickets from our ticket office situated at the Fochabers Institute from Wednesday 5th July.

HIGHLAND VILLAGE FOCHABERS, MORAY

For a flavour of Scotland visit Baxters!

Restaurant | Museum | Whisky Shop | Cook Shop | Food Hall | Gifts | Play Area

Step back in time as you enter the old grocery shop, originally opened by George Baxter in 1868 and discover the history of the Baxter family story.

Our shops stock the full range of Baxters and Audrey Baxter Signature products, along with a selection of other fine foods, wines and Scottish malts, as well as a variety of quality gifts, cookware and seasonal items.

Sample delicious, home cooked Scottish food in our excellent restaurant, including Baxters famous soups, pancakes fresh from the griddle and home baked pastries in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Open 7 days a week , all year round. 10am - 5pm.

Free parking for cars and coaches with full access for disabled customers.

Baxters Highland Village, Fochabers, Moray IV32 7LD. Tel: 01343 820666

Lifestyle MAG

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FINNIE

finnies.co.uk

S A RY

19

A NNI V

ER

S

57 2017

VISUAL

£200 £280

White gold and diamond pendants.

£190

Finnies holds one of the largest collections of jewellery and watches in Scotland including some of the world’s finest brands.

Our extensive collection ranges from under £100 to whatever your heart desires!

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