Lifestyle August - September 2018

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OUTDOORS | FI SH I NG EATING OUT | DRINKING D I S T I L L E D | WA L K I N G FAS H I O N | M OTO R I N G FAR M I N G | WE LLB E I N G I N N OVATI O N | P I N U P S F E E LG O O D F ITN E S S

£20 VOUCHER BOOGIE WOOGIE TWO TICKETS FRIDAY SESSIONS DISTILLED LUNCH FOR TWO ROYAL HOTEL ELGIN £100 HARRISONS VOUCHER FAMILY ENTRY TO MORAYVIA £30 VOUCHER SQUARE ROOTS ACE ADVENTURE BREAK PACKAGE WORTH £680!

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ART OPENS ITS DOORS

A U G / S E P 2018

WINWINWINWINWIN

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

magazine

THE KNOWES HOTEL RESTAURANT AND FUNCTION SUITE

December Party Nights

7th, 8th 14th and 15th December

Cracking band all the way from Ayrshire ‘Fusion’ know how to entertain and will play until 1am.

To book call 01261 458000 or through Facebook.

Three-course festive menu Weddings, anniversaries, private events, afternoon tea Lunches, evening dining, Sunday roasts, high teas 8 ensuite rooms with fantastic sea views

43 Market Street, Macduff AB44 1LL

THE KNOWES HOTEL RESTAURANT AND FUNCTION SUITE

To book call: 01261 458000 Email: info@theknoweshotel.co.uk www.knoweshotelandrestaurant.co.uk

CONTENTS

FEATURES

2 COVER STORY

Art opens its doors 8 Outdoors with Ace 12 Eating out at The Royal 20 Motoring Rust to Rome 22 Distilled

The Spirit of Speyside

It’s all in the blend 32 Fashion 38 Innovations 39 Fergus Ewing MSP 40 Out & about

Tales of the Fairies Fishing Capercaillies 48 Health and wellbeing

53 Feel-good fitness with Petra 53 Days out Morayvia 54 Pin ups 55 Diary THIS MONTH’S COMPETITIONS 56 Win, win, win...

Boogie Woogie voucher

Lunch for two - Royal Hotel

£100 Harrisons voucher

Family entry to Morayvia

Square Roots voucher

Two tickets for Distilled

Ace Adventure package

Editor Rhona Patterson Creatives Fiona Hill and Alistair Davidson Advertising Rhona Patterson and Barbara Playdon Printing & Distribution MMS-Almac Ltd 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. Intellectual copyright: MMS-Almac Ltd

To advertise in Lifestyle Tel: 07900 954134 and speak to Rhona Patterson or email: rhona@mms-publishing.scot

Turn your dream kitchen into a real kitchen at JNK

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Visit our showroom today 8 Coulardbank Industrial Estate, Lossiemouth, Moray T: 01343 814994 25 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray T: 01343 542777 26/27 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray T: 01343 542358 E: sales@jnkkitchens.nadsl.net

Lifestyle MAG

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ft imag i ra

art d c o h

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ART

tion cr e na

North East Open Studios (NEOS) is proud to be15 years old this year. It started when a small group of artists and craftspeople got together and agreed to open their studios to the public within an allotted time in September. There were only 67 entrants in the first year of NEOS and this year we have just over 280 entrants.

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8th - 16th September 2018

Stained Glass for all settings

Spread Spreadacross acrossthe thewhole wholeofofthe theNorth NorthEast Eastofof Scotland Scotlandthis thisaward awardwinning winningevent eventisislooking looking forward forwardto towelcoming welcomingvisitors visitorsinto intothe the studios, studios,workspaces workspacesand andshared sharedspaces spacesofof

Leadline Studio Westerton Road South Business Centre, Keith. AB55 5FH

the theartists artistsand andcraftspeople craftspeoplewho whomake makeup upthe the event eventthat thatisisNEOS. NEOS. This Thisyear yearNEOS NEOSisis running runningfrom fromSaturday Saturday8th 8thSeptember Septemberuntil until Sunday Sunday16th 16thSeptember.

September.Not Notevery everyvenue venueisis

www.leadlinestudio.com

07941 220417

open openevery everyday daybut butour ourhandy handyNEOS NEOS(yellow) (yellow) book bookwill willgive giveeveryone everyoneaachance chancetotoperuse peruse the thedelights delightsofofthe thecreative creativepeople peoplethat thatmake make up upNEOS. NEOS.These Thesebooks booksare areavailable availableatatyour your local locallibrary, library,social socialhubs hubsand andfrom fromthe the participants participantsininNEOS NEOSthroughout throughoutthe thearea area from fromthe thebeginning beginningofofAugust.

August.IfIfyou youcan’t can’t find findone, one,then thenour ouronline onlineversion versionisisavailable available on onour ourwebsite website www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk www.northeastopenstudios.co.ukwhere where you youcan canalso alsodo doan anartists artistssearch searchororview viewthe the digital digitalversion versionofofthe thebook. book.

2018 2018isisthe theYear YearofofYoung YoungPeople Peopleand andwe weatat NEOS NEOSare areproud proudto tobe behelping helpingsix sixyoung young people peoplewho whohave havenever neverexhibited exhibitedininNEOS NEOS before beforewith withaafree freeentry entryinto intoour ouryellow yellow book bookand andby byhelping helpingthem themfind findaasuitable suitable shared sharedvenue. venue.

Lifestyle MAG

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Never heard of NEOS? We bet you’ll notice Yellow signs springing up around Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City in September. These are pointing the way to a NEOS venue. Follow one, or more, it’s a 07951 155761 • zoe_J_davies@hotmail.com

great way to find out who your local creatives are, everyone is happy to tell the story of what they make and what inspires them and some of the locations are art works in themselves!

So, what are you waiting for, get hold of a book or go to the website and start to plan

26 Pringle Road, Elgin, IV30 4HN Opening times: 11 - 4pm Daily during NEOS 26 Pringle Road, Elgin (in my garage) which is just down from the Buccaneer Petrol Station.

The entrance to my studio will be obvious as you drive up to the house so please just come on in!

where and who you want to see this NEOSthe diversity of artists and makers is breathtaking, we hope you will enjoy the experience.

Shop the full collection at www.etsy.com/uk/shop/zoedceramics

Alison THE Chandler

OPEN

WAY

11am - 4pm Saturday & Sunday 8th 9th 15th & 16th September 10am - 4pm Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 10th - 12th September

From the darkness came colour, beauty, humour and strength With roots as familiar as fairytale and mysterious as Islamic calligraphy, dug from family history and North Sea nightmare, this art exploded from a need to find courage.

In pencil when in hospital, in collage when on a Johnshaven doorstep the images vary enormously in style. Look closely though and find a fresh thinking on the human condition. Some illustrative, some abstract, accompanied by the acclaimed short film “Painting Myself Brave” this exhibition will make you part of the amazing and inspirational story of “The Way Through Project”.

Alison has had to endure, without going to all the details, some major surgery with added complications and gruelling rounds of chemotherapy.

Alison explored her feelings through her painting and shared them with friends to relay her feelings to them.

Painting helped Alison find a way through. Alison’s work was deemed worthy of sharing with a wider audience and she was convinced to exhibit her work. As Alison’s journey continued the “way through project” came together.

Visit the website for Alison’s story and go to Johnshaven and visit this remarkable lady’s exhibition. www.waythroughart.com 01561362996 • alisonchandler06@aol.com • Johnshaven Village Hall (small hall), Mid Street, Johnshaven DD10 0HB. 4

Lifestyle MAG

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leatherwork weekend workshops

Open Studio for NEOS Saturday 8th September – Sunday 16th 11am to 5pm Thursday 13th 1pm to 7pm (closed Mon 10th)

Classes in Forres Autumn 2018

Sporran or satchel making 9.30am - 5.30pm Oct 6th/7th • Nov 3rd/4th Dec 1st/2nd £180 All materials are included

belt or dog collar

11am - 4pm Oct 14th • Nov 11th • Dec 9th £80 All materials included

Kiltmaking classes

with bespoke Kiltmaker and teacher Paula Duncan starting 8th August.

Email for prices and details Vouchers for these and future classes are available. Booking and payment in advance is essential for all classes to guarantee your place

To book a place or find out more e: info@sporran-nation.co.uk or go to www.sporran-nation.co.uk Take the Grantown exit on the roundabout at the bottom of the high street.

Little Crook is the first on the right immediately after the old Nicholson building/Citroen garage site. Sporran Nation is at the bottom of the lane in the house next to the Rainbow Nursery. Please donʼt park in the nursery car park during working hours, thank you.

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John Christie Elgin • IV30 8QU Blackhills Pottery OPEN 3pm – 7pm 11th to 16th Sept Domestic ware, mugs, jugs and individual pieces that take inspiration from the Scottish rural landscape

07780 680 748 • john@blackhillspottery.co.uk

Real White Water Rafting Glamping Canoeing & Kayaking Camp Fires River Tubing Dogs Welcome Canyoning Woodland Campsite Paintball Luxury Shepherds Huts Disc Golf Bell Tents with Woodstoves

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aft r c h Bus urseusst Co in Aug ing

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Enter the Adventure Break prize draw for 4 people worth ÂŁ680.00

www.bit.ly/adventure-prize

OUTDOORS It’s a little known fact, but right in your back yard is the best year-round rafting in the UK and it’s in a league of its own offering world class rafting whenever there’s a wet spell or snow melt.

Aces High!

W

hite water rafting is a popular adventure activity worldwide. It can appear to be extreme and consequently may put people off the idea by thinking it dangerous. In reality this is not the case. Insurance for a rafting business is significantly less than that of mountain biking and horse riding because there is less risk than these other activities.

At just under 100km long and the 7th longest in Scotland the River Findhorn is not only hailed as the River of Beauty, it features some unusual characteristics for a river. Normally rivers start with a steep gradient that flattens out as they get to the coast. Not the Findhorn, it starts with a gradual descent in the Monadhliath Mountains south of Loch Ness and carves its way North East to Findhorn Bay with its steepest gradient from Randolph’s Leap to Sluie a mere 10 miles to the bay.

The Findorn is one of the few natural rivers left in the

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world with no dams or weirs which has very few dwellings on the banks – it has a very remote and wild feel. One of the best ways to areas of the river that are difficult and near impossible to access on foot, particularly the lower gorge section, is by raft.

ACE Adventures & Hideaways based close to the river in the Findhorn valley has been in operation since 2006.

Its Tasmanian founder Jim Davis has been working in the white water rafting industry since the 80s notching up rivers in Australia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, France, Switzerland, Morocco, USA, Austria & West Java. “When I saw the River Findhorn I couldn’t believe that no outdoor companies in Scotland were making use of the lower gorge section because it is ideal for excellent white water rafting and has remarkably few dangerous features compared to most rivers. It made perfect sense to make this my home and set up ACE”

To find out more about rafting on the River Findhorn visit www.bit.ly/raftingblog COMPETITION TIME...

Readers of Lifestyle can go into the draw for an adventure break package for four people worth £680 by entering at www.bit.ly/adventure-prize

Findhorn sections ideal for white water rafting...

THE TOP AND UPPER is ideal for when the river is high or in spate. This section starts at Drynachan and finishes at the Historical Ardclach Church. The two highlights are the gorge at Dulsie Bridge with some impressive waves upstream of the bridge and Levens Gorge just below the majestic Glenferness House. Rafting on this section works well in high water because the rapids are well spaced allowing time to prepare for each one.

THE MIDDLE SECTION is perfect for young families or for those who want to dip their toes in to start. This section starts at Ardclach Church or Logie Bridge depending on the water level. The river mellows on this stretch and provides a lovely outing with a half dozen fun rapids. No chance of

Lifestyle MAG

falling out unless you want to jump out for a swim. Features like The Dragon’s Tooth and Carnage Corner have ominous names but these are all PG rated. Bit like a Harry Potter experience!

THE LOWER GORGE SECTION runs all year and offers stunning scenery most of which is not accessible on foot.

This section typically runs from Daltullich Bridge near Relugas and goes through to Sluie. Passes through the popular Randolph’s Leap and on to rapids such as Side Winder, Triple Step, Corkscrew, Pinball and Deliverance.

All major rapids can be walked and the guides at ACE are more than happy to tailor the trip to the customer so that everyone gets the most out of what is a magical journey.

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Fiona Forrest Catering

The Market Café at the Huntly Mart Tues – Sun 8-30am to 4pm The Ward, Huntly AB54 4QU

...now at Huntly Golf Club Cooper Park AB54 4SH Every weekend l Afternoon teas l Functions l Sunday carvery coming soon!

Contact Fiona 01466 794795 or 07917 532020

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

(Only 10 mins walk from Huntly Train Station) No. 2 The Square Huntly AB54 8AE (Only 10 mins walk from Huntly Train Station) Café Open Wednesday - Sunday 10.30am-3.30pm Closed Every Mon & Tues Café Open: Wed - Sun 11am - 3.30pm Lunch Served Noon - 2.30pm

Autumn Opening Hours (Closed Every Mon & Tues) Afternoon Teas every Sat & Sun Lunch Served Noon - 2.30pm

2.30pm – 4.00pm Pre-booking essential

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

Friday, Saturday & Sunday - 5.30pm till late

Restaurant Open

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

Every Friday & Saturday 6.00pm till late we offer special burger hour (5.30pm-6.30pm), Dinner (last food order 8.30pm) PLUS a new sharing menu with cocktails, wines and beers

Reservations: 07955 710755

www.thebankhuntly.co.uk Find us on

The

RoyalHotel

Christmas Lunch & Dinner served throughout December Reservations: 07955 710755 www.thebankhuntly.co.uk Find us on

Elgin

Breakfast • Lunch Afternoon Tea Dinner Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 9pm Sunday 9.30am - 7pm

Kids and Seniors Menu Available Station Road, Elgin IV30 1QW • 01343 542320 10

Dining out in Lossiemouth .................................in Moray’s No1 Continental & Seafood Restaurant...............................

BRIDGE45

16+ = 4 29 5

Full a la carte Dinner served every evening

Early Bird Dinner Sunday – Friday 5-30pm – 7-30pm 2 courses £14.50 Traditional Sunday lunch every Sunday from 12 noon

Pizzeria & Ice Cream Parlour

GoItalian!

Monday to Wednesday Buy one Pizza get one free.

Sit in or take-away

01343 815944

te Priva elebration, y il m c ddings ns, fa e functio l intimate w irement smal your requ . ver whate we can help ilable t ava n e m tain Enter on request

Lifestyle MAG

Café Bar & Bistro

Tea Time Special 4.30pm to 6.30pm Two-course fish supper tea £11.50 (wee fish & chips £7.50)

Café Bar & Bistro

Local Fish & Chips with bread & butter, tea & coffee PLUS... Sticky Toffee Pudding

01343 813027

ALL VENUES

Party of 10 or more - create your own menu

Bridge 45 & The Salt Cellar 20 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth IV31 6DJ 01343 813743 / 01343 813027 Guidi’s 18 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth IV31 6DJ 01343 815944

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The

RoyalHotel

EATING OUT

Elgin

WIN for 2

lunch value up to 25 of ÂŁ etails on

ll d e See fuetition pag p m o c

Ladies who lunch at The Royal Hotel There is nothing better than a good chin-wag with a

brother John, founded the Glen Grant distillery in

girl friend over a long, leisurely – albeit working -

Rothes, The Royal Hotel (or Dalehapple House as it

lunch. It is something to look forward to with much

was back in 1865) is an imposing building sitting

anticipation. The two of us have had chats and

close to the roundabout at Station Road. James’ initials

giggles over lunches at many and varied eateries but,

are carved on the masonry gateposts at the entrance

prior to this, had not met at The Royal Hotel in Elgin.

to the hotel. The house, designed by Alexander Reid,

We had heard that the new conservatory was a must

passed out of family ownership in 1887 and in the

visit and that the food was of a high standard, thanks

1900s was refurbished and opened as The Royal

to a fine collaboration between Allan the owner and

Hotel. It retains much of its elegance, with high,

Raymond, his head chef, so why not put it to the test?

elegant moulded ceilings, original cornicing and a

Once the family home of James Grant who, with his

stunning staircase.

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On entering the conservatory, the first thing that hits you

The generous portions that arrived had us wondering

is how bright and airy it is. Extremely large windows

whether or not we could finish. The pasta was

look out over the car park to the passing parade and

presented in a deep white dish containing a generous

distant hills beyond. We can watch the world moving at

amount of succulent chicken chunks wrapped in a

a steady pace whilst we are comfortably seated,

spicy, but not searingly hot, creamy sauce. My potato

cocooned in calm and the only immediate decision we

was done to a turn, with a crispy skin smothered in

have to make is whether to have still or sparkling water

spicy beans and chorizo with a salad of mixed dressed

with our lunch. Such pressure!

leaves and a dainty pot of red cabbage coleslaw. I

The second thing is the décor – teal blue and grey

didn’t let the side down but my lunch-chum had to

complemented with a touch of sandy beige and

admit defeat and left a small amount on her plate. We

accessorised with white. It’s cheerful and tasteful and

compared notes and decided that the food was

does not overpower the senses in any way. Add these

extremely good and we would definitely choose the

two factors to attentive service and you have the

same again, although there are so many choices we

perfect recipe for a good experience. It is now all down

could make. To sample everything would necessitate

to the food.

quite a few repeat visits!

Once you are sitting at your table of choice and have

There was no room for coffee so we spent the

studied the more than comprehensive menu, it’s off to

remaining minutes of our visit chatting with Allan.

the counter to place your order. There is a good

Whether you pop in for a quick coffee after

selection of dishes and only the most picky of eaters

shopping, meet friends for lunch or perhaps afternoon

could possibly find fault. We couldn’t. We chose a spicy

tea, or come in for a full-blown evening meal you will

chicken and pasta dish, and a baked potato. As it was

be met with attentive service and very good food.

lunch we didn’t want to over-indulge so there was no

It is a great place to meet, so would highly

starter and – whisper it quietly – no signature

recommend it, scoring top marks for service and

cheesecake to follow!

food. Go try!

Lifestyle MAG

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22 Reidhaven Sq, Keith

Call: 01542 887241

T H E C ROW N I N N

Opening hours

Come and try one of our new gins, beautiful and tasty, lots to choose from.

Our lounge area is available for parties and private functions with karaoke available on request.

E LU NCH

S

Po o l Room

Dog friendly Bar & Pool Room

11am to 12-30am Sun to Thurs • 11am to 1-30am Fri & Sat Lunches available: Monday 12-2pm Closed Tuesday • Wednesday to Friday 12-2pm and 5pm - 8pm Saturday 10am - 7pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Regular karaoke

JUKEBOX +

Room to Relax

OF HUNTLY

A haven of relaxation and personal pampering 145 Mid Street • Keith • Moray • AB55 5BJ June 07876 407203 Rachel 07411 438416

DARREN WILLIAMS TYRE & AUTOCARE

We specialise in the supply, fitting and repair of all makes tyres for car, commercial and agricultural vehicles

Over one hundred years of award-winning ice cream Having celebrated our 100th anniversary in 2014, Rizza’s, our family business, originating from Balmonte di Castello in Italy, continue to produce award-winning quality ice cream and sorbet products handed down from the original Italian recipes.

Shops in Huntly and Lossiemouth

Rizza’s of Huntly

110 Moss Street , Keith AB55 5EZ. Tel: 01542 882666 • Mob: 07762 741197 14

16 Gordon Street Huntly AB54 8AN

Head office & factory viewing area 31 Steven Road Huntly AB54 8SX Tel 01466 792847

Rizza’s of Lossiemouth 15 Clifton Road Lossiemouth IV31 6DJ

THE ROTARY CLUB OF KEITH WITH WITHTHE THE KEITH KEITH EXPLORER EXPLORER SCOUTS SCOUTS

FISHWIVES WALK ON ON SUNDAY SUNDAY 23RD 23RD SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2018 2018

:[HY[PUN H[ 5L^TPSS /HSS MYVT HT HUK ÄUPZOPUN H[ [OL )\JRPL HUK +PZ[YPJ[ /LYP[HNL *LU[YL TPSLZ HSVUN H \UPX\L OPZ[VYPJ [YHPS @V\ JHU Y\U VY ^HSR P[ [HRL [OL MHTPS` PUJS\KPUN [OL KVN

-VY LU[Y` MVYTZ KV^USVHK MYVT ^^^ ÄZO^P]LZ^HSR VYN \R ]PZP[ [OL 2LP[O 9V[HY` MHJLIVVR WHNL LTHPS RLP[OYV[HY`JS\I'NTHPS JVT VY [LSLSWOVUL .YHLTL 9VILY[ZVU VU VY 3VNPL .YH` VU

IT’S FUN, IT’S GREAT EXERCISE AND

Lifestyle MAG

15

CA

RP

ET

S

YL

S

S

G I N THE CARPET CENTRES VI BL RU

ND

S

THE CARPET CENTRES

OVER 150 ROLLS OF CARPET & VINYL CARPETS FROM £3.99 CARPET EXAMPLES...

Kids Star Wars/Minions £ 7.99m2 Felt and Hessian Backed £ 3.99m2 Heavy Velour carpets from £7.99m2 Plain twist 80/20 in various shades 50oz/60oz £13.99m2 HUNTLY CARPET CENTRE

01466 793327

CLARK’S PHARMACY www.clarkspharmacy.com

Free Local Prescription Delivery Service

VINYLS FROM £5.99 VINYL EXAMPLES...

2m, 3m, & 4m wide rolls wood/tile designs from £5.99m2 All Vertical, Venetian and Roller Blinds at discount prices Rugs and Doormats over 500 in stock KEITH CARPET CENTRE 119 Mid Street, Keith 01542 886111

YOUR COMPLETE FLOORING SPECIALISTS

Dufftown Pharmacy 15 Balvenie Street Dufftown AB55 4AB

Clark’s Pharmacy 12-16 Regent Street Keith AB55 5DU

Why go with the crowds when you can stand out from

Casual to Occasion

81 Mid Street, Keith AB55 5AF • 01542 880479

Open10 - 5 Monday to Saturday closed Wednesday and Sunday 16

Cullen Pharmacy 28-30 Seafield Street Cullen AB56 4SH

New Menus Evening meals Friday & Saturdays, with Specials every week KIDS EAT FREE! With every adult main purchased between 4.30-6.30pm Fully Licensed with a large selection of craft beers & spirits

Grown in

Bolivia

Outdoor seating

Roasted in

Aberfeldy

Reidhaven Square, Keith • Tel : 07955 890971 Email: info@squarerootscafe.co.uk Open Tuesday – Sunday From 10am

Crafted in

Keith

See website for further details

www.squarerootscafe.co.uk

W i n a £ 3 0 S q u a r e R o o t s Vo u c h e r. S e e c o m p e t i t i o n p a g e f o r d e t a i l s .

01343 812020 29 Queen Street, Lossiemouth

RE-OPENED AFTER MAJOR REFURBISHMENT Opening Times MON - FRI 12 - 1.30 4.30 - 9.30 SAT 4.30 - 9.30 SUN 4.30 - 8.30

Come in and try our extensive Menu and DAILY SPECIALS KEITH Tooty’s Takeaway 85 Mid St Tel: 01542 882398

Lifestyle MAG

KEITH Tooty’s Café Langstane Lane Tel: 01542 882398

ABERLOUR Takeaway 92 High St Tel: 01340 871871

INSCH Fast Fry’s@Insch 2B Western Rd Tel: 01464 820500

17

There's no comparison to Harrisons!

K I T C H E N S B AT H R O O M S B E D R O O M S H E AT I N G S Y S T E M S Local company based in Elgin offering fully

products can come supply only however we also offer a supply and installation

project managed home improvements including

service. We offer a free measure and estimate service with no obligation. So

Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Windows,

why not pop in today and make an appointment or, call 01343 551331

Doors and Central Heating Systems in Moray, Highlands and Aberdeenshire.

Our showroom in Elgin displays a wide range of high quality Kitchen and Bathroom products which are available to both trade and retail customers. All

Providing high range kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems for over 16 years FREE Measure FREE Estimate

There's no comparison to Harrisons!

16 Linkwood Place, Elgin IV30 1HZ

Enter our FREE competition and you could WIN a ÂŁ100 Harrisons Voucher See competition page for details

Panoramic CAD Images Now Available

OUR SHOWROOM IS OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK - MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM-5PM - SATURDAY 10AM-2PM

A. M. McPherson Ltd

FREE

LOCAL DELIVERY

154 Mid Street, Keith AB55 5BJ

YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICAL EXPERT IS HERE TO HELP!

Let’s Make Life Easy Free delivery within 40 miles of Keith

Expert knowledge Competitive prices Tel: 01542 882736 email: mcphersons@btconnect.com www.ammcpherson.co.uk *Terms and Conditions apply. Sold as an agent of Euronics Limited.

All rights reserved. All offers are subject to availability while stocks last. Delivery & Installation charges may apply. Exclusions and Radius Apply. Prices correct at time of print but can be subject to change. See in store for full details. Images for illustration purposes only. Copyright Euronics 2017. E&OE October 2017.

Saving compared to a higher price charged for 28 days in the last six months unless otherwise stated.

18

All yours.

Delivered...

To your door...

GREAT DEALS IN-STORE TODAY

BUILDING SUPPLIES True to their core values, owners Steven Rennie and Jack Robertson were quick to publicly thank their customers and their team. Moments after receiving the award, co-founder Steven Rennie posted on the Falcon Building Supplies Facebook page: “We canʼt believe it! A massive thanks to everyone who voted for us. Most importantly we would like to thank our team. Without these guys we wouldnʼt have been able to achieve this award or come as far as we have in such a short space of time. We canʼt wait to see what else Falcon can achieve with such an

Falcon named Best Building Supply Company 2018 Three months after opening their Keith based showroom and less than a year from first trading, Falcon Building Supplies have been awarded the prestigious title of Best Building Supply Company at the Scottish Home Improvement Awards 2018.

The award was presented at a ceremony held in June

awesome team!”

Falcon believe they won the award because they are trail blazing a better way of doing business. They are taking a customer focussed ethos that's widespread in other sectors and shaking up the Building Supplies trade.

Falcon is based in the Moray town of Keith and anyone is welcome to pop in. The coffee machine will be on!

Falcon Building Supplies. Building Relationships

at the Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow. The evening was attended by building services and home improvements companies from all over Scotland.

2018 saw over 1,000 companies; from all across Scotland make their case to be the best in their chosen category. The competition saw over 20,000 public votes for the very best of the best in the home improvement award industry. ʻʼ The event was a roaring success and the support of the home improvement trade was great to see, thanks to all the businesses who were involved and we will see you again in 2019ʼʼ Warren Paul, CEO and Founder Home Improvement Awards.

Lifestyle MAG

5 Westerton Rd, Keith (just behind Tesco)

Tel: 01542 887700

19

Rustto Rome

The ‘Rust 2 Rome’ Rally, now in its 13th year, is the brainchild of Marko Fleming who hails from Cupar in Fife. Coming from Italian heritage on his mother’s side of the family, Marko has a strong connection with Italy and has spent extended periods of time in the country.

Crossing 4,000 miles of Europe from Edinburgh to Rome, the banger rally is open to entrants who are brave enough to take the challenge in a car worth no more than £500!

What started as a personal adventure for Marko has grown into a well supported annual rally with other rallies growing out of it including ‘Rust 2 the Sahara’ and ‘Rust to Romania’ with many adventurers taking part. Rust 2 Rome itself now features 3 separate rallies, one through the French Alps, one through the Austrian Alps and one through the Swiss Alps. While there is no obligation for entrants to raise money for charity many of them choose to do so with many thousands of pounds being raised for good causes.

Each Rally criss crosses Europe taking in some of the most spectacular sites from the Eiffel Tower to famous twisting alpine roads before finishing outside the Colosseum in the heart of Rome.

Entrants will face challenging driving on a wide range of different roads from motorways to narrow village streets, across bridges such as the famous Millau Viaduct and through the towering Verdon Gorge.

An adventure that started with ‘1 man and his Capri’ has grown to the 2018 Rust to Rome French Alps Rally featuring 42 cars with only 1 dropping out along the way (that particular team still made it to the finish line in Rome in a hire car though!). Car 41 “feed ‘er the peats” was driven by man and

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wife team, James and Dianne Mark from Drummuir, near Keith. I spoke to James a few days before they left on their adventure and although looking forward to the experience, he was also a bit apprehensive. Dianne was actually quite willing to back out at this point.

Fast forward two weeks and they did it, 23 miles short of 4,000 miles, starting from Drummuir on Saturday 30th June and home through the Swiss Alps, Germany and Amsterdam, visiting eight countries in total.

They have encountered some challenges and with some amazing terrain across the French Alps before the ultimate achievement of reaching the Colosseum in Rome.

Speaking to James on their return home he said "We had a great time, Dianne now wants to sign up for the next one” What a turn around, but the enthusiasm about the whole experience came across in James’s voice, so I don’t think it’s surprising.

“It’s not a relaxing holiday, but it is an experience of a lifetime. You need to be a bit of a petrol head and as the cars are only worth max £500, be prepared to do some repairs.” James told me they were really lucky, some others not so much. One team had a broken drive shaft but still completed, yes completed, with only one wheel connected.

“It is very intensive, with obviously a lot of driving.

We were only given the route for the day in the morning, so didn’t really know what was coming. I hadn’t driven much abroad before, but I will have no fear now. I have now driven roads I had only previously seen in James Bond movies, negotiated hairpin bends, 1st and 2nd gear stuff, narrow roads with up to 1000ft drops” Who needs a theme park?

Sounds like plenty of scary rides on this trip.

For all that James did say that he preferred these challenging roads to the “ motorway dashes” as he described the occasional fast routes between cities.

James said “they were a great bunch of people from all over, from Orkney to Devon and a mix of ages, there was even two honeymoon couples.

If you are thinking about it, just do it! You won’t regret it”

By G. Leadbitter

MOTORING

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VISIT THE

GLENFIDDICH DISTILLERY SPEYSIDE Distillery tours . masterclass tastings . gift shop restaurant & bar . whisky flights . picnic area

By keeping the company in our family we’ve kept the character in our whisky.

Please visit us and experience the unique history and flavour of our whisky for yourself.

The Glenfiddich Distillery Full details of tours, times and pricing available at www.glenfiddich.com/uk/book-tour/ Skilfully Crafted, Enjoy Responsibly Glenfiddich® Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a registered trademark of William Grant & Sons Ltd.

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Get your tickets to taste Scotland’s finest flavours at

August 31st and September 1st - Elgin Town Hall

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DISTILLED A mouth-watering, thirst-quenching taster to one of

visitors has been growing over the past two years,

Scotland’s greatest food and drink producing regions is

many coming to the event and staying on to explore

being served up to audiences for a third year running.

the Moray-Speyside region.

The one-stop gathering, in the heartland of Scotland’s

Distilled features four different sessions. The opening

famed whisky producing region, showcases an amazing

session on the afternoon of Friday, August 31st is

array of food and drink all made in Moray-Speyside,

from 2-5 pm with tickets priced at just £15. Friday and

showing how the thriving sector is making its mark

Saturday evening sessions will run from 6-10pm while

through innovation, diversity and quality.

the Saturday afternoon session is from 1-5pm and

On August 31st and September 1st, these fine flavours

tickets for these sessions are £20.

come together at Elgin Town Hall, split over two floors to

The ticket includes entry, six vouchers for tasting

provide plenty of space to meet the makers, mingle and

samples of gin, whisky or beer, a lanyard and a

savour the flavours on offer. Some of the biggest brands

Glencairn crystal nosing and tasting glass.

in the Scotch whisky industry - alongside local gins, award-winning craft beers, and delicious food bites will be served up to visitors.

Distilled comes from the organisers of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, a hugely successful and long established five-day extravaganza which sees over 550 events take place at multiple venues across the region each May. James Campbell, chairman of Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, says: “We are proud of Speyside’s reputation as one of the best whisky producing regions in the world, but the region has more than its fair share of innovative food and drink producers.

“From iconic whisky brands, gin producers, amazing local craft beers, seafood specialists and artisan chocolate makers, Distilled celebrates this ever-evolving culture and is a yard stick to all that’s happening on the Speyside food and drink scene.

There are opportunities to learn more about the samples by signing up to a range of tutorials or ‘masterclasses’ staged by whisky and gin experts, including the chance to try rare and cask strength whiskies, drink very special gins and cocktails and learn about food and drink pairing.

Distilled draws visitors locally, from all over Scotland, and other parts of the UK, and the level of international

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Expert-led masterclasses cost an additional £15 per person, and full details of the range and times are on the event website.

For more information and to book tickets visitwww.distilled.scot Distilled is active on social media at www.facebook.com/distilledscot on Twitter and Instagram @distilledscot.

Follow the festival at #distilled18 Make tracks, and get your tickets, for Distilled, a delicious mix of Speyside’s finest food and drink which returns to Elgin Town Hall on August 31st and September 1st, 2018

COMPETITION PRIZES

1 PAIR OF TICKETS FOR EACH SESSION ON FRIDAY See details on competition page

Come and see us at Spirit of Speyside Distilled, 31st August to 1st September.

Deliciously smooth. www.tomintoulwhisky.com

& we’re proud to support distilled 2018 mmsalmacltd. design&print 6 Tyock Industrial Estate Elgin . IV30 1XY Tel: 01343 551234

Unit F . Islabank Mills Keith . AB55 5DD Tel: 01542 886409

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

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Lifestyle MAG

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ISLA BRIG IMAGES

DISTILLERIES

It’s all in the H

ere in Speyside, one small distillery has been quietly getting on with transforming its premises and visitor experiences. Strathisla, one of the loveliest and most iconic of distilleries, has had a wonderful make-over that keeps its traditional approach firmly centered whilst branching out on a brand new ‘look’ to reflect the home of Chivas.

The Brand Home is now magnificently clothed in the trendiest of livery; cool greys and creams that are easy on the eye, combined with the mellowness of old wood. Once up the well-trodden stone steps to the main entrance, your senses are introduced to this brand new look that calms and excites at the same time. You want to relax and let everything wrap you in timeless tradition while you are eager to explore what is on offer.

And what is on offer is exceptional. Strathisla have taken their traditional ‘tried and tested’ visitor experience and have enhanced and perfected it to such a degree that it is very hard to pull yourself away and return to the everyday world.

Whether you fancy the traditional distillery tour, or spending an afternoon sampling and falling in love with exceptional Limited Edition Cask Strength Single malts.

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blend Surely the most sublime and satisfying experience is that of blending and bottling your own whisky – something that will live with you for a good long while. And it’s all available in-house at Strathisla, you choose, there is something to suit every visitor.

Not a lot of time, why not pop in for ‘The Fly Dram’? one of Strathisla’s passionate team will talk you through 3 drams.

This has proved very popular with visitors who have got a basic knowledge of the production process and can now concentrate on learning about the whisky. Or perhaps you would wish to relax in the cocktail bar, sampling a range of Chivas-based cocktails. Sink into the comfiest of sofas and let the outside world gallop away with itself.

Contrary to what some might think, Strathisla is not aimed solely at the overseas visitor. Anyone who has even

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just a smidgeon of interest in the amber fluid is welcome to come and enjoy a comprehensive learning experience.

Highly competent assistants are adept at making each and every one of the tours fascinating and informative, adding anecdotes and historical facts, plus their own special brand of humour – in a way they are as clever as the master blenders in that they can gauge their audience and deliver a masterclass. Just as with the product, each tour is different.

All this is on your doorstep. All the tours are competitively priced and offer exceptional value for money. Grab some friends and take time out to explore the Strathisla distillery; one thing is guaranteed - one visit is not enough.

To book tours and tastings visit www.maltwhiskydistilleries.com 29

Each product is created using fabulous Scottish grown and milled cereal flours, natural flavourings which we create ourselves, natural colours and is free from all industrial or chemical preservatives or additions.

Contact us to discuss your requirements E: granniesbakery@gmail.com 1 Strait Path, Banff, Aberdeenshire AB45 1AD Tel: 01261 818895

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

l l l

Sit-in or takeaway Weekly Specials FREE tea or coffee and bread & butter with every sit-in meal

FOCHABERS FISH BAR OPEN Sun-Thurs 4pm-8pm Fri & Sat 4pm - 8-30pm 19 High Street Fochabers Tel 01343 820320

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Cafe - Gifts - Boutique

the Visit ion etit comp r your fo page to win e chanc

2 REGENT SQUARE, KEITH, MORAY AB55 5DX. 01542 888077 - BoogieWoogieShop.com

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w e N er ent d n U em g a Man ,

me o s e l who me e m Sa , ho s u o i c od! deli o f ed cook n & a g e V New n free e Glut nu me

Monday – Saturday 10.00 to 5.30 Sundays 11.00 to 5.00 (cafe closes 30 mins earlier)

On Facebook? See what’s on the menu

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FASHION

Summe sh mov

Floaty chiffon pink and black colour block maxi. Gives that simple relaxed look can be worn for a day out or summer evening dinner party.

Colour Block Maxi Dress Boutique collection £89.00

All clothes from M&Co Elgin PHOTOGRAPHER STYLIST MODELS FROM MODELS

PRODUCTION

Gareth Bryant Christine Ann De Agostini VSO models UK Angel Vacarro Rhianon Andrews Dominic Walker VSO Creatives

‘Supporting talent and locations locally...’

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Sum mov

er sheer vement s Long floral chiffon maxi dress bright vibrant punchy colours.

Simple but effective just add nude shoes and nude handbag.

Firework Chiffon Maxi Dress Boutique collection ÂŁ89.00

Summer ummer sheer sheer e movement s vement s Lifestyle MAG

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FASHION

Ivory dusted with natural flowers. Will look lovely for a first date or holiday collection.

For the races match with off-white frilled jacket

Floral Print Hanky Hem Dress ÂŁ30.00 Flute Sleeve Coat ÂŁ49.00 34

F

F allen Fallen f flowers lowers Dusky pink frilled chiffon dress, light up a wedding with this outfit match with dusky pink fascinator and tailored pink jacket to match

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Floral Print Shutter Dress Boutique collection £69.00

Look stylish with a maroon detailed shirt and matching cameo shorts.

Give yourself that edge by coming away from standard colours dare to be different .

Jacques Vert Crepe Edge-to-Edge Jacket £149.00 Feather Fascinator £10.00

Leaf Print Short Sleeve Shirt £22.00 Cargo Shorts £24.00 35

D EB N U E T W AL BU M !

AmyPapiransky Music

Finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2018.

‘Amy’s performance at our wedding was fantastic. Our guests commented upon how truly amazing she was.

Amy made our day extra special.’

Lucy Pirie, Bride

See Amy’s performance at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/ p05wlhpj

Amy is raising funds for her debut album out this September. Pre-order on her Facebook page, please Like and Share!

Singing accompanied by piano or simple piano music for your special event, • Make a difference on your special day.

• Create a unique romantic atmosphere • Three-piece ceilidh band optional amypapiranskymusic@gmail.com www.amypapiransky.com 07769 298236

let me capture your timeless romance

wedding and engagement photographer

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10% off Hires & Sales on production of this advert

McCalls of Elgin 54 South Street 01343 540590 www.mccalls.co.uk

BOOK YOUR

PRIVATE PARTY Selection of menus available

Café Bar & Bistro

Weddings A choice of packages available to suit wedding parties of 40 to 200.

Our head chef will design a menu to suit both your taste and your budget. From a simple 3 course to an amazing 5 course selection Make an appointment to discuss your wedding with our wedding planner, Karen.

Full a&laRestaurant carte menu Hotel Open for lunches every day Wine, Dine & Stay package from £99 per room per night

Book before November for amazing discounted rates.

Come and enjoy some leisure time Includes:Three Course Dinner with glass of wine, overnight stay and full Scottish breakfast Quote ‘Lifestyle’ to book

Private Parties Choice of private rooms available to cater for

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

Tel: 01542 850395/850298 Mill of Tynet, Buckie AB56 5HJ info@millhousehotel.com

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events of all sizes from 5 to 200.

We are happy to help any group/charity create a first class event.

Selection of menus available.

Bands and discos can be provided on request.

Call to discuss your requirements

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INNOVATIONS

Baling safe Two brothers from Aberdeenshire have won a Silver Technical Innovation Award at this year’s Highland Show for developing their unique bale trailer - built and tested with safety in mind...

S

tephen and Iain Birnie’s Bale Safe Trailer ensures a load of bales is secured in seconds from the tractor seat. The novel hydraulic mechanism forming the sides of the trailer grips the bales in place creating a neat and secure load. This has eliminated any need for personnel to be on, around or underneath the load to fix straps and provides an effective solution to the problem of insecure loads, safeguarding anyone in the vicinity. A unique top row extension safely holds bales stacked up to three high. Designed a few years ago the brothers have since sold many trailers across the UK and even a few to Sweden.

Both boys have full time jobs, and outside of work are dedicated members of New Deer Young Farmers (both have taken their turn in the Chair). On top of that they help their dad on the family farm (beef and sheep) and also manage to run a small business too.

Stephen and Iain are delighted with the recognition of an Innovation Medal, and even more pleased to see their idea developed around the kitchen table become a reality.

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FERGUS EWING MSP

Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity

Scotland the brand

T

he first two weeks of September are now known for being Scotland Food and Drink Fortnight. It gives us all the chance to celebrate and promote our natural larder, and the significant contribution it makes to our economy.

Of course, Moray has always known its value, through quality beef, sheep and pigs reared here, the fish landed and processed locally and the role played by trailblazers like Baxter’s in turning quality natural products into desirable victuals.

And whisky plays a very special role in hearts and communities locally, providing skills and jobs, and encouraging visitors, not least to the

new £140 million Macallan visitors centre in Aberlour.

I’ll be leading activity in government and Parliament. I’ll be working on our plans to provide stability, certainty and simplicity in rural support over the next five years - we have the most detailed post Brexit plan in Britain. But I’ll mostly be thanking our farmers, fishers, food producers, retailers, supermarkets and everyone who play a role in getting from “gate to plate”.

In particular, I’ll be congratulating the myriad micro businesses taking an idea and turning it into a promising product. Their innovation and entrepreneurialism is inspiring and

increasingly important to our rural economy. I’ll also be encouraging everyone to buy and try more Scottish produce. I hope you too will do all this and more this September to support Scotland the Brand.

CAG ARCHITECTS LTD 07787932950 info@cagarchitects.co.uk Lifestyle MAG

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OUT & ABOUT

Tales of the O

Deep down in the heart of Dufftown, where the trees grow high and a river flows through the winding rock, there lies a magic village, constructed by a local man and his daughter. It has very small houses with tiny doors and windows, made from fallen trees, oak and moss, chimneys of tiny pebbles and hand twined bridges connecting homes in the air.

Text: Jessica Sanchez Photos: Shane Kinloch and Jessica Sanchez 40

ne day in Spring 2017 Dave, and his daughter Elise, decided to make their first fairy house. Dave said it took them about a week, with many nights of fun and sore fingers.They enjoyed making it so much that they made another. When they were finished, they searched for a quiet hidden place in the woods; somewhere the fairies could stay undisturbed by people and carefully hid the houses. It wasn’t long before someone came across them and word spread of the magic houses mysteriously appearing. For months no one knew who was behind it, was it really the fairies?

Notes and drawings were left for the fairies, pennies for wishes, people added little additions, pebbles and adornments.

Hooked on seeing the input and excitement of everyone, Dave and Elise began making more and more and before long they had created a village complete with barbers, shops and a pub “Don’t drink and fly”! They left a note pad and pen, for people to leave their thoughts, and the pages filled fast with gratitude and questions and started a Facebook page, Dufftown Fairy Village. Instantly there were over a thousand likes, and people travelling from as far as Newcastle to visit “It’s one of the best things reading people’s messages and reviews, we get to see the happiness it is creating”.

With winter setting in and the wet, trodden paths getting slippery, the houses started disappearing,“Fairies don’t like the wet weather” Elise said on Facebook. “Don’t worry they’ll be back again in Spring.”

It is now even better than before, with new houses and more creators, there is even a big human picnic bench to rest in amongst the houses.

I asked Elise if she ever sees the fairies?“All the time, you have to believe to see. Butterflies count as fairies too,” she smiles. “If you sit quiet enough you might be able to see

fairies one or a native red squirrel.�

It is a truly magical experience for adults and children, a place to enjoy the natural scenery and peaceful walks to get there. The fairy village is connecting people with nature, and creating priceless memories. Dave and Elise have brought magic into the world. Not only have they built fairy homes but they also help the hedgehogs by making shelters, replant oak trees and fruit trees and scatter wild flower seeds, in and around Dufftown.

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The fairy village can be accessed through two paths, a longer and adventurous walk beside the river from the Dufftown Distillery carpark and another, shorter and softer, walk from the road behind the Distillery. Just follow the paths and look out for the Fairy Village signs.

Be warned in wet weather it can get muddy, good footwear is recommended. A little bit of Magic in Dufftown.

Thank you Dave and Elise.

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OUT & ABOUT FISHING

The lure of the Deveron

by Nathan Krelle, Australia

M

The river Deveron runs its 96km course from the Cabrach watershed in Aberdeenshire, through Moray to the coast at Banff. Few people know that it holds the record for the heaviest fly caught salmon in the United Kingdom and its magical qualities draws people from across the globe.

42

y wife Felicity and I visited Scotland for the first time in March this year, travelling from Melbourne, Australia. As a ‘dream destination’, we decided to spend our 18 days solely in Scotland; self-driving ourselves on a tour to see as much of the country as we could. We explored Skye first before heading east to Inverness and Aberchirder beyond. In the last seven or eight years trout and salmon fishing has become a favoured pastime of ours.

In some respects our choice of fishing the River Deveron was pure luck; having only Google as a reference, we began searching for trout and salmon rivers throughout Scotland. Whilst rivers such as the Spey looked spectacular there was something altogether more ‘manageable’ about the Deveron (particularly where travel rods are concerned), and combined with the location and holding the record of Scotland’s largest fly-caught salmon it seemed like the perfect choice.

We booked a day of fishing at Coniecleugh. Our journey into town was beautiful; warm, with clear skies and barely a breeze. The next day was the polar opposite; freezing cold, windy and continuously threatening to pour with rain.

But we’d made a commitment, and we were going to see it through. We were shown over the beat and were given a

The heaviest fly-caught salmon in the UK

Tiny Morison and her 61lbs Deveron Salmon PICTURES: PAUIL FOSBURY

few tips on preferred tackle, before setting out into the cold.

It was about an hour in before the first signs of life; a strike from a large brown trout in fast water. But a practiced shake of the head threw a poorly seated hook without any trouble, and he darted off to safety. The next half an hour brought nothing but the risk of hypothermia, so it was back to the hut for a cup of tea.

With feeling once more returned to the extremities, it

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T

he 21st of October, 1924 probably started off as any other, the leaves were turning deliciously golden on Deveronside. That day at Lower Shaws (Mountblairy) on the banks of the river Deveron, a record was smashed and a legend born. The fish in question was an Atlantic salmon weighing in at 61lb and the angler being a local lady by the name of Mrs Clementina “Tiny” Morison. The fish became the heaviest UK fly caught salmon.

To this date and with the combined efforts of many generations of anglers passing by all the UK’s game angling rivers, the achievements of Tiny Morison has yet to be surpassed. The 61lbs salmon wasn’t officially weighed until 24 hours after it was caught and was almost certainly heavier than recorded. Mr Harper, who attended to the catch, reckoned on a weight loss of “a pound or two”.

The salmon was caught on a 1.25” “Brown Wing Killer” fly.

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OUT & ABOUT FISHING was down towards the rail bridge. The first fish landed was a feisty brown trout, about a pound and a half, landed on a black and copper Celta. Venturing on, the next fish was another brown; this time two pounds, and caught on a red and gold Celta. Another half an hour or so, and several lure changes later, another brown; this one larger still at two and a half pounds.

By this stage we were quite happy. Despite the cold we’d landed some nice fish, and our thoughts were starting to wander to hot food in front of the fire. And then it happened.

Casting past a likely looking boulder, the lure caught up on something that felt like a soft snag; perhaps a bit of weed.

But in a moment annoyance turned to glee as a rippling silver shape billowed in the water. It was a fish. A very big fish. As the line screamed off the reel, all I could think of was the leader; as much as I’d dreamed of catching a salmon on the Deveron, all I was expecting was trout – and was fishing 5lb accordingly. I gingerly played the fish, gaining a few feet before another run; eventually reaching the point where I was gaining more than I lost. After about five minutes my thoughts changed from “don’t lose this” to “how the heck am I going to land this”. The bank was steep, and we weren’t travelling with a landing net. But it was obviously meant to be; the fish tired, and keeping its head up I was able to

manoeuvre it in towards the bank where I could swiftly pluck it from the water.

After a quick measure and a couple of photos, it was away again; a silver ribbon melting into the depths. At 35 inches it was a personal best – and a Scottish springer to boot! Feeling that it was now impossible to top that result, we returned to the New Inn in Aberchirder for some real ales (and a wee dram of Glendronach) and told our story in front of the fire.

All too soon we were on the road again and as the journey finished; with so much yet unseen, and so many whiskies untasted, my boyhood dreams of seeing Scotland had been satisfied, and the memory of that fish would never be forgotten!

This piece first appeared in the Deveron Bogie and Isla Rivers Trust Newsletter no.35 www.deveron.org 44

Let’s tackle fishing As children the joy of catching a fish from a rock pool or tadpoles from ponds is ingrained in our memories.

A few of us progress to picking up fishing rods and going down to a sea pier for mackerel or to a burn for trout fishing.

I

n Scotland we are used to fly-fishing – a style of fishing where hooks dressed with feathers imitate the various stages of insects as they grow from larvae to nymphs to flies.

Fly-fishing is often referred to as ‘the gentle art’, as mastering casting, entomology and your own self confidence are required to be really good at it. Anyone joining the sport, young or old, needs a fair bit of encouragement. Young people know more about X-boxes than tackle boxes and encouraging them to sit outside in Scottish weather, bonding with friends and family while enduring midge bites, is not a high priority for them.

Due to the ‘fly-fishing only’ rule in Scottish waters, the use of baits or lures to catch trout is quite a rarity. It also discourages young people from trying their hand as it is quite a skill. If there were more places for youth to ‘just fish’ it would give them positive time away from their tablets and games consoles.

Fisheries offer a certain guarantee that you at least know there are healthy fighting fish stocked regularly on a monthly basis. One such fishery is at Greenmyres Farm, four miles south of Huntly on the A96. The fishery is run by members of the Huntly and District Development Trust (HDDT) and came about as part of a land trust grant that purchased the

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63 acres it sits on.

The vision for the land will offer natural history and environmental activities as well as the occasional evening class in astronomy. It is also the site for HDDT’s wind turbine that will aid its economy in the future. HDDT plans to make an eco-bothy by 2019 for such activities and is asking for any donations of building materials or sponsorship to enhance the area and the community angling project. Two past sponsors have been Knockdhu Distillery which donated a bottle of AnCnoc for the fishing competition in 2016, and with the Networks Of Wellbeing (NOW) supplied 100 trout in 2016 and 2017.

Membership fees and rules can be found on the Huntly Development Trust website and joining the community angling project will automatically register you as a member of the trust.

There is also a dedicated Facebook page for the community angling project.

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OUT & ABOUT

...the next generation To visit Alistair Mackie’s home is an experience not to be missed. His dedication to helping increase the numbers of not only the capercaillie but their relatives the grouse, is impressive. His knowledge is vast and his care and attention to these birds knows no bounds.

I owe Alistair a heartfelt apology and, at the same time, he earns my deep respect. The apology comes because I mistakenly thought that he had received a measure of assistance from the Scottish Government for his work with the capercaillie and respect because the work he does takes a commitment to a cause that goes above and beyond.

Alistair gets absolutely no help and he works as a man alone. After years as a gamekeeper he branched out as a single man with a passion to help save, as best he could, the capercaillie from a certain decline in numbers and a possible extinction.

I was fortunate enough to see the next generation of birds in their little ‘houses’ – row upon row of wooden pens, raised on stilts like houses in the far east – and it was fascinating to see how he communicates with the birds and how they respond to his more than capable imitation of their strange, haunting calls.

After the breeding season, it is moulting season now and the proud birds are more than a tad shy about showing themselves to a total stranger. Their beautiful plumage is dropping through the slats in their cages, falling to the ground in a mixture of black, grey, taupe and white feathers. The females are highly protective of their young and let me know their feelings in no uncertain terms. The chicks, as with all young creatures, are endearing but one day they will be released back into the wild or despatched to other people who care about their welfare as much as Alistair does.

I have been invited back when the mating season starts next year, when I will be able to see these magnificent male birds strut their stuff, tail feathers fanned out in a beautiful black pleated crescent. It is a timeless ritual and I for one would love to witness it. Just try and keep me away.

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MAKE MORAY STIGMA FREE!

Join Our Social Movement Use your own experiences of mental health to help shape a better Moray for us all.

Influence local services Improve workplace wellbeing

Grow new support groups In partnership with:

AUTUMN MENTAL HEALTH COURSES

Support Yourself We offer courses that help you get more from life, giving you the tools to manage your life challenges and health conditions. Includes international courses WRAP and Living Life to the Full.

Support Others Upskill yourself with our range of accredited courses, including the twelve hour Scottish GET IN TOUCH: 07989 331651

Mental Health First Aid, half day suicide

hello@moraywellbeinghub.org.uk www.moraywellbeinghub.org.uk

sessions.

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alertness training and short awareness

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HEALTH & WELL BEING

Keeping it ‘It’s not all about doctors and pills. It’s about fresh air, listening to birdsong, gazing into still water, learning to read the life history of trees and having a laugh with other folk you are sharing it all with!’

T

hese lifechanging realisations from a Moray participant in Branching Out, beautifully express what ecotherapy can do to support wellbeing. Branching Out takes people experiencing low mood into the woods once a week to reconnect them with themselves, their community and the living environment. Run by Earth For

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Life, in partnership with NHS Grampian and Health and Social Care Moray, it is proving successful with Moray folk and health professionals alike.

‘Ecotherapy’ is a relatively new term, having come into the world around 25 years ago when psychologists started realising that, if time in nature made them feel so good, why were they only working with clients under artificial light in consulting rooms?

“The woods are an extraordinary place — the quiet hum of the city becomes silent when surrounded by nature. Life moves in cycles; waves move in and out; plants are reborn; creatures are created; nature passes on and leaves behind

natural a world for the next cycle to thrive in. Relax, remind yourself that we are all connected; we move as one.�

Last year REAP (Rural Environmental Action Project) launched a therapeutic gardening project in the grounds of Maryhill Medical Practice in Elgin. Participants literally get their hands in the soils, sow seeds, transplant seedlings, plant trees and bushes, and best of all, harvest the fruit and vegetables they have nurtured to maturity and enjoy eating delicious, healthy, fresh, free food! The garden is a peaceful sanctuary where people can attend weekly sessions and stay for as long as they like. Tea and biscuits are always provided to complement the fresh air and gentle exercise.

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If you are interested in accessing Moray’s rich store of green spaces and wild spaces to improve and maintain your wellbeing there are projects right across Moray that welcome those looking for a wellbeing boost, many can be found via networks like Moray Wellbeing Hub and tsiMORAY. From organised courses like Branching Out to small urban projects like Incredible Edible at Castlehill Church in Forres, there is something for everyone.

Earth for Life - www.earthforlife.org REAP Scotland - www.reapscotland.org.uk Incredible Edible - www.ieforres.wordpress.com 49

Shears For the past 22 years Shears has been at the forefront of hairdressing, building up a reputation for providing our clientele with exceptional hairdressing. We are committed to maintaining the highest standard in professionalism and education. All of our team are trained to the highest standard to provide you with the most pleasurable experience and fantastic hairstyles with a 1st class service and customer care. At Shears our aim is to exceed our clients’ expectations and go that extra mile to meet your individual needs and we are intent on making sure every single person feels special.

THE BEAUTY RETREAT Therapists Nicky and Tasha provide exceptional services where beauty,

refresh... unwind... & relax

comfort, knowledge and personalised attention, combine to create a totally memorable experience. After treatment take some time out in their relaxation suite. Relax, unwind and drift away into a world of your own.

Nicky has worked for Shears Hair and Beauty Retreat for over 10 years and in 2016 won the coveted award of Gatineau Beauty Therapist of the Year.

At The Beauty Retreat discover an extensive range of treatments from manicure - pedicures to facials and waxing. Specialising in brows and lashes and sumptuous spa rituals.

All the pampering treats you could possibly imagine leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated.

TUESDAY - 9am - 5pm WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY - 10am - 8pm FRIDAY - 9am - 6pm SATURDAY - 9am - 4pm MONDAY - CLOSED

50

Shears & The Beauty Retreat, 66-70 Mid Street, Keith, Banffshire AB55 5AF 01542 882929 email : shearshairbeauty@hotmail.co.uk website: www.shearshairbeauty.co.uk

HEALTH & WELL BEING FEELGOOD FITNESS with Petra Pennington

It’s been a long, hot summer already. After all that sunshine, why not put your tan to good use, and try out an active artform with a guaranteed feelgood factor?

Celebrate your belly

B

and dance!

ellydancing covers many different disciplines of dance, from many regions of the world. Portrayed in Hollywood movies since they were shot in black and white, the kind of bellydancing we first imagine most likely involves women wearing sheer fabrics and dancing for the titillation of powerful men or rich tourists.

The ethnic roots of bellydance go back thousands of years; they are diverse and much more meaningful and expressive than this Hollywood image conveys.

From Tunisian, Egyptian, Arabic and Turkish to Mauritian, Polynesian, Classical Indian, and even Bollywood, there is a full spectrum of shimmering, technicolour global dance traditions to dip into, all linked by an emphasis on hip and belly movement which demands good muscle isolation and promotes a strong and supple core. And they’re not reserved for women only.

Whilst it’s true that the majority of bellydancers are female, like in ballet, their male counterparts are incredibly strong and muscular – and both sexes get to dance with swords!

In the last thirty years, American Tribal Style (ATS) developed, taking in all these global ethnic influences. This is the bellydance I practice. It doesn’t discriminate by body shape or size – anyone can become a disciplined and elegant bellydancer. And whilst it can be beautiful to watch, and great fun to perform, it really works your body too.

It requires soft knees and a level posture. Many basic arm movements are done with your arms extended out from the shoulders at either side. If you’ve ever tried holding your arms out for any time, you’ll know by the ache how much it works

Lifestyle MAG

your muscles! Vertical hip movements strengthen your thighs, and lateral ones tone your abdominals. Focusing on articulating different areas for isolation of movement (so your top half appears to move independently of your lower half and vice versa) grows awareness of different muscles and how you engage them. Rib and chest lifts use your pectorals, stomach and back muscles. Belly rolls engage the deep muscle of your belly and massage your internal organs, whilst body waves work the lot.

Fitness benefits aside, this is one exercise activity that will get you giggling with joy. So go along to a class and enjoy yourself. No prior experience required. Exposed belly optional. Sense of humour essential!

For a class near you, try Moray Tribal Dance (Elgin, Deskford, Huntly) – search Moray Tribal Dance on facebook for details.

51

DAYS OUT

Aerospace Centre is taking off in Kinloss perhaps,little littleknown knownlocal localattraction attractionhas hasrecently recently AAperhaps,

enthusiastic volunteers volunteers alongside, alongside, toured toured local local town enthusiastic

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formerly the the Abbeylands Abbeylands Primary Primary School School at at Kinloss, formerly

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officially opened. opened. officially

deliversaaunique uniquevisitor visitorexperience experiencenot notjust justinin ititdelivers Aviationbut butalso alsoininAstronomy, Astronomy,Science Scienceand and Aviation Technology,Engineering Engineeringand andthe theArts.

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Since Since then, then, the the centre centre has has gone gone from from strength strength to to strength, strength, receiving receiving many outstanding outstanding visitor visitor and and formal formal accolades accolades and and expanding expanding to to over over twice twice its its original original size size in in less than three three years. years.

Open Open to to the the public public on on Saturday Saturday and and Sunday Sunday from April April to to October October each each year, year, plus plus Thursdays Thursdays during RAF RAFKinloss Kinlosswould wouldclose closeas asan anoperational operationalairfield, airfield,

school school holidays. holidays. Last Last year year Morayvia Morayvia visitors visitors topped

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historic historiclinks linksbetween betweenMoray Morayand andaviation. aviation. Members Members

access access to to aa wide wide range range of of groups. groups.

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Transfer Transfer scheme, scheme, which which should should enable enable itit to to expand

handful handfulofofexhibits exhibits- -towable towableaircraft aircraftsections sectionsand and

further further in in the the near near future. future.

52

Morayvia’s expansion expansion and and success success would would not not have have

solar solarsystem systemtour tourplus plusmany manyother otherastronomical astronomicaloror

been possible without without the the very very generous generous support support

sciencescience-based basedfilms. films.

of a long list of local local businesses. businesses.

The TheScottish ScottishTourist TouristBoard Boardawarded awardedMorayvia Morayviafour four

The current membership membership stands stands at at over over 180, 180,

stars starsas asaatourist touristattraction attractioninin2016 2016and andthis thisyear year

including 60 very very active active volunteers. volunteers. They They carry carry out out

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the visitor experience, experience, receives receives much much praise praise in in the the

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Morayvia’s major major attractions attractions include include the the iconic iconic

with withthe the

SeaKing and Wessex Wessex helicopters, helicopters, aa Nimrod Nimrod MR2 MR2 aircraft section, aa Jaguar Jaguar attack attack aircraft aircraft and and aa Russian Antonov Antonov biplane, biplane, plus plus aa long long list list of of other aircraft aircraft cockpits, cockpits, flight flight simulators, simulators, training devices, devices, fire fire engines, engines, training

2018 2018 Queen’sAward Award Queen’s forVoluntary Voluntary for Service- -known knownas asthe the Service MBEfor forvolunteer volunteergroups, groups, MBE rarebut butwell welldeserved deserved aarare accoladeininan anorganisation organisationso so accolade young. young.

Manyhave havesaid saidininthe theMorayvia Morayviavisitor visitor Many bookcomments comments‘we ‘wecame camefor foran anhour… hour…and and book stayedfor forfour’ four’. . Make Makesure sureyou youhave havethe thetime timetoto stayed

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and ejectors seats and equipment, some some quite quite historic, historic, others others other survival equipment, Unique in in this this area area of of Scotland Scotland isis more recent. Unique metre diameter diameter mobile mobile Morayvia’s seven metre Visitors encounter encounter exciting exciting wrap-around wrap-around planetarium. Visitors experiences from from Moray's Moray's night night sky sky to to aa audio-visual experiences

Lifestyle MAG

Check out our website at www.morayvia.org.uk 53

PIN ME, KEEP ME

Still Life Studio Aug 18.pdf

1

06/07/2018

12:23

Welcome to M

u lti C

uisine Ta

Beautiful Pictures Gorgeous hats, scarves, pottery & Carefully chosen gifts & cards.

• Essential Fishing and Shooting Supplies •

ay ke A w

THE BEST FOOD IN TOWN!

Tel: 01542 888383 142 Mid Street • Keith • AB55 5BJ

Opening Times: Open 7 Days a week: Mon - Sun 5pm - 11pm

Bespoke Picture Framing Service

High Society

by Clare Shaw

79 High St, Aberlour AB38 9QB 01340 871457 07766704910 or 07990551221 Find us on facebook:

To advertise call Rhona 07900 954134

Inschfield Farm House Insch, Aberdeenshire AB52 6LT

Hats &Fascinators for every occasion by appointment only jayne.davidson1@btinternet.com Home: 01464 820908 Mobile: 07754 714800

www.peartree.co.uk 54

WHAT’S ON

12

HISTORIC WHEELS RALLY Brodie Castle, Forres

18

ELGIN FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 2018 Elgin City Centre 10am– 5pm

22

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE OUTDOOR THEATRE Gordon Castle Garden, Fochabers 7pm

26

Aug/Sep 22

MORAY DOORS OPEN DAY Free entry to 12 of Moray’s Buildings and 3 Heritage Walks 9am

BUCKIE CLASSIC CAR SHOW Linzee Gordon Park, Buckie 11am-4pm LOGAN’S FAMILY FUN DAY Lossiemouth Playing Fields 12-4.30pm www.logansfund.org

2 Sept

25 FORRES FEST IV

21ST GRANTOWN MOTORMANIA The Square, Grantown on Spey

A night of rock and metal Victoria Hotel, Forres.

Tickets available at Skiddle.com 5pm

WEDDING OPEN DAY Eight Acres Hotel, Elgin 12-3pm 01343 543077

27-1 (Oct)

ASWANLEY HORSE TRIALS Aswanley, Glass,

by Huntly All day

AUTUMN SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL 80 -90 events across Speyside www.dufftown.co.uk

HUNTLY HAIRST Events in and around Huntly All day

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11-15 SPIRIT OF MORAY BOOK FESTIVAL Elgin Library Bookings from 13th August 01343 562623

THE WALK 2018 Supporting Logan’s Fund Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation The Aila Coull Foundation www.thewalkspeyside. co.uk

01542 888457

www.advancedelectrics.com info@advancedelectrics.com Unit Q1, Isla Bank Mills, Station Road, Keith, AB55 5DD

Celebrating 31 years in business Advanced Electrics are proud to serve the largest names in the distilling industry.

Advanced Electrics offer a design, build and installation service.

• Established in 1986 now employs 26 people locally • Recognised expertise • Reputation of Excellence • CompEx trained technicians for hazardous area installation and inspection • Control panel design and manufacture for various production process controls • Thermal imaging, power analysing and power factor correction surveys, reports and supply Also specialise in break-down, routine maintenance and new plant installations

Lifestyle MAG

55

COMPETITIONS

Closing date: 28th September (Distilled: 25th August) email: competitions@mms-publishing.scot

WIN,WIN,WIN...

We have some fantastic giveaways this month from a fantastic £100 Harrisons voucher to two tickets for Friday sessions at Distilled. Or if you fancy an adventure, how about an Ace Adventure break package worth a whopping £680! Perhaps a quiet lunch for two at the Royal Hotel, Elgin is more your thing, or even a £20 voucher at Boogie Woogie. As a family you could win a family entry including planetarium to Morayvia... or take them all to Square Roots which is offering a £30 voucher. There is something for everyone here - thank you to all our local businesses for their generous support.

COMPETITION CODES Harrisons voucher: HARRISON100 Morayvia day out: FAMMORAYVIA Two tickets for Distilled: DISTILLEDTWO Boogie Woogie voucher: BOOGIE20 Square Roots voucher: SQUAREVOUCH Lunch at the Royal Hotel: ROYALLUNCH For the Ace Adventure Break Package: Go to www.bit.ly/adventure-prize Email competitions@ mms-publishing.scot with your name, address and contact number or send a postcard to: Lifestyle Magazine, Unit F, Isla Bank Mills, Station Rd, Keith AB55 5DD Remember your competition codes and please send mulitple entries on one card!

And the winners were...

Congratulations to our June/July winners. We receive hundreds of responses and love your letters and emails... keep ‘em coming. Who knows... it could be you next time.

56

Qismat Voucher Gimena Trincado Harispe, Elgin Mulben Voucher Karen Killigan, Aberchirder GlenGrant Tour Heather Pinto, Aberlour Knowes Afternoon Tea Margaret Forman, Peterhead Show Tickets Susie Main, Turriff

Maggie Milne, Buckie

Hazel Simpson, Mosstodloch

Breathtaking Stunts!

Jason Smyth

Adrenaline Tour Main Arena Sunday & Monday Cattle, Sheep & Horse Judging • Rare Breeds • Simmers Contracts Scottish Beef Cattle Championship • Show Jumping • Pony Club Games • Poultry • Pipe Bands • Highland Dancing • Dog Show • Vintage Show • Truck Fest • Children’s Farm • Fun Fair • Craft & Lifestyle Fairs • Industrial & Flower Show • SWRI Food Fayre • Demonstrations • Trade Stands • Traditional & Contemporary Music & Dance... and lots, lots more!

For info: Tina Craib, Show Secretary, Seafield Park, Keith, AB55 5AJ

T: 01542 882 978

info@keithshow.org.uk • www.keithshow.org.uk

Sunday 12th & Monday 13th August 2018

MARQUEE DANCE

SATURDAY 11

TH AUGUST

2018 9PM

TICKETS £13 FROM SHOW OFFICE £15 ON THE DOOR STRICTLY 16+ INFO:

07816 316559

WITH JOE DAVITT COUNTRY BAND SUPPORTED BY CURRENT AFFAIR

Prices from £300

219-223 George Street, Aberdeen AB25 1HY. Tel: 01224 636632.

www.finnies.com