Lifestyle august 2017

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AUGUST 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

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Highland

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

N S IO S SES OPLE INLOS ERY 6 PE RM, K H C A O F R T A UP ANGE EC K CH FOR ST GR THA L E A , S T E E LOF R H FORR LED T, THE UTE TIL M P R E BOO O DIS TILLED C R O S I – F D WO ETS IDE, R T LACHIE ICK SPEYS O T F L O ETS RAIGE TW RIT OF IC K C G S PI R T AGE, U TIN O S R T E E TA N VIP COOP S E W O E TW S I DE CH UFFTO Y D ND Y A TILLS, S PE O K S S I TW WH SEVEN OR NTLY F H U C H LUN BANK, THE

Gathering with a difference...

FITNESS | ICE CREAM TRAIL | MUSIC | ART LOCAL BU SI N ESS | WI LDLI FE | FOOD & DRI N K

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CONTENTS FEATURES 6

Local Entrenpeneurs Meet Emma Bell Here come the girls!

46 Eating out Seven Stills, Dufftown

50 Art 10 Fashion Dreams of Land and Sea with Christine Ann De Agostini Luring you in 12 COVER STORY Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running Parkrun

52 Music Gigging in Germany

18 Out & About Me and my dolphins

59 Feel-good fitness with Petra 62 Highland Military Tattoo

22 Spirit of Speyside Distilled 2017

64 What's On guide

26 Moray's ice cream trail Try them all!

Purple 4 polio 36 World records 40 Social enterprise The IT girls and boys 43 Fergus Ewing MSP 44 Rural education Editor Fiona HIll Distribution MMS-Almac Ltd Advertising Rhona Patterson Barbara Playdon Publisher Colin Brown

54 Speycation

THIS MONTH’S COMPETITIONS 66 Win, win, win...

Archery session for six Computer health check Two tickets for Distilled 2017 Two x two VIP tour tickets to Speyside Cooperage Whisky and cheese tasting Lunch for two at The Bank

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 breech of copyright.

Lifestyle MAG

Welcome I took a friend to St Andrews via the Lecht a couple of weeks ago and tt rained the whole journey, with visibility at about 45yds. It can be hard trying to use your imagination to describe the scenery and sing Scotland's praises. But we do have a lot to be proud of and Moray in particular.

Last month we ran a feature on a Megan Gordon from Rothes who is fighting her way to the top - and look what she has done:

The whole Lifestyle team would like to add their congratulations to Megan for her many successes since winning her Bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas: as the first female boxer to compete for Scotland, and for bringing home a medal. Well done Megan - what an amazing achievement!

COLIN BROWN - PUBLISHER

Life

...

enjoy!

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LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS

Lost in thought?

There is no single word to describe life-coach and inspirational speaker Emma J Bell (right), as all the superlatives apply. She is unique, highly articulate, clear thinking and totally committed to what she does. And what she does has the ability to touch each and every one of us.

When Emma speaks she captivates a room; her clear, precise and practical method of presentation will resonate with her listeners and will remain with them. She can, quite literally, transform the way you think – about yourself, about others and about the way you interact with the world.

H

ow much energy have you wasted today worrying about the future or fretting over the past? The staggering truth is that most of us are living our lives unconsciously. A 2010 Harvard research study found that each of us spends almost half our waking hours lost in thought, and an alarming 67 per cent of our thinking is either negative or redundant. We spend time ruminating over past wrongs or worrying about future scenarios that may (or may not) materialise. And sometimes we crave change, but everything seems to remain the same. That’s because 90 per cent of the thoughts you have today will be the same as the thoughts you had yesterday. It’s rumoured that we have between 60,000 and 70,000 thoughts a day – so that’s 54,000 thoughts that you will have today that you already had yesterday (and the day before)! You are where you are because your thinking brought you here.

To this spot. To this job, this relationship, this situation. If you want to change your life, it starts with changing your 4

thinking. In fact, it starts with consciously thinking, rather than having your subconscious conditioning drive the direction of your life.

Dr Amy Johnson describes thoughts as being like buses: you need to pay close attention to what you are thinking and wait for a thought that is going to take you in the direction you want to go. If you are not mindfully selective about which thought to ‘board’ then your subconscious conditioning will run your life, rather than you consciously choosing the life that you truly want.

Author of ‘The Power of the Subconscious Mind’, Dr Joseph Murphy uses an analogy that I think illustrates the challenge beautifully. He compares the mind to a ship, with the crew being the subconscious mind and the captain representing the conscious mind. Many of us allow the crew to take over the ship while the captain sleeps in his quarters. The ship follows the direction set by the crew, without any input from the captain. Isn’t it time you woke

?

up your captain and had him/her take the helm?

My definition of success is ‘the peace of mind attained from attempting to be the best of which I am capable’.

To be successful, I need to show up as my true self and be the best of which I’m capable in every situation and interaction. Much of our subconscious thinking is driven by our desire to secure the approval of others. One of my favourite quotations comes from David Foster Wallace. In his book, 'Infinite Jest', he says;, “You will become way less concerned with what other people think of you when you realise how seldom they do”. Authentic power comes from being clear about how we want to live our lives and to follow that. Your own approval then becomes the dominant indicator of whether your words and actions are aligned with who you truly are and whether you have been the best of which you are capable in every interaction. My single call to action is that you develop the habit of consciously choosing which thoughts serve in your development and follow those.

About Emma’s book, The True You: The True You enables you to live a calmer, happier and more fulfilling life by harnessing the power of your conscious mind.

The book also gives you a step-bystep approach to building remarkable relationships with others. It has been described as a ‘practical handbook that allows you to challenge your thinking and achieve positive results for yourself and those around you.’

Lifestyle MAG

‘This book offers some truly remarkable insights into the dynamics of relationships and how we can positively transform our own thinking and habits.'

Readers can download a freecopy of The True You right now by hopping on to emmajbell.com 5

LOCAL ENTREPENEURS

Here come the girls!

Behind every successful woman is herself. This may sound like rather a sweeping statement but there is more than just a ring of truth about it. From time immemorial women have multi-tasked to great effect and are capable, metaphorically speaking, of moving mountains.

Drive and ambition, mixed with stamina and selfbelief, is a heady cocktail. No matter what the chosen field, if a woman has success in her sights the only way is up. Moray has a remarkable number of successful business women – women who have single-handedly made a decision to 'just do it' and have gone from strength to strength, quite often juggling family and career along the way. They are to be saluted.

Bespoke and personal planning service We handpick and showcase the best experiences that Scotland has to offer; we do all the hard work so that you don’t need to.

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Kim Robertson Your Way (Travel) Ltd

'I have been passionate about travelling for over 30 years, so when I was forced into medical retirement from my career in the Police, the only natural progression for me was to start my own travel business.

Your Way (Travel) Ltd was born in December 2014, and since then, I have been helping people turn their travel dreams to reality.'

Not everyone wants a standard package holiday and Kim's knowledge and personal experiences make her an expert in helping people fulfill their travel dreams while she takes care of all the details. Kim has personally visited many of the destinations she features, so offers first hand advice.

Jane Macpherson

Kate Bonsall

'After working in London and Edinburgh for many years, I returned to my roots in Mulben and Keith to set up Boogie. With an Arts Degree from Aberdeen University and a Diploma in Marketing I wanted to open a shop that was creative and interesting. The Coffee Shop attracts many visitors who sometimes leave having also bought a gift for themselves or their loved ones.'

'I created a special holiday cabin, encapsulating qualities that I know people desire, offering a high level of comfort with opportunity to enjoy happy moments in calm seclusion. Since opening 2 years ago I have achieved nearly 100 per cent occupancy. It is clearly a successful concept and one I would like to develop.'

Boogie Woogie

Janis MacLean Get the Girls Together

'It’s the end of the night and you’re saying goodbye to the girls… your stomach hurts from laughing so much and someone says…

“We should do this again soon…”

But 6 months later, it still hasn’t happened. Get together for fun, friendship and new experiences! Meet new people, bring old friends. Make time, without having to plan a thing.

Get The Girls Together is a platform for women, where you can meet friends, old and new, experience new adventures and simply have fun!

I know how difficult it can be to find time to get together with the girls, and then find something which allows you the chance to chat, relax, try something new and have a laugh. Get The Girls Together was created to give you the gift of time and friendship.

Lifestyle MAG

Culbin Edge

c/o The Fountain Port Elphinstone Inverurie AB51 3UR

Original Tartan Style for Today’s Woman! tel. 07786 547044

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All your holiday needs taken care of, by someone who cares....

Call Kim on 01224 443743 or email kim@yourwaytravel.co

Why go with the crowds when you canstand out from

Cafe • Gifts • Boutique

Casual to Occasion

81 Mid Street, Keith AB55 5AF

01542 880479

Open 10 - 5 Monday to Saturday closed Wednesday and Sunday 8

OPEN Monday -Saturday 10-5.30pm / Sundays 11-5pm Easy parking Regent Square, Keith | T: 01542 888077 www.boogiewoogieshop.com e: boogiewoogieshop@gmail.com

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

LOCAL ENTREPENEURS HERE COME THE GIRLS!

Lisa Milne Lisa's of Keith

Inger Helen Vorley

'I am celebrating Lisa's of Keith's10th year of business. Situated at the top end of Mid street, my shop is well known as a relaxed and welcoming boutique which prides itself on offering a first class personal shopping experience. Along with Karin (and our extended families) we bring enthusiasm and experience to help you build your perfect wardrobe. We specialise in independent boutique brands, which cover casual to occasion wear and everything in between, we stock a range of sizes 8-20. A boutique not to be missed, from earrings to heels we cater for it all.'

Originally from Norway, Inger opened ‘The Fountain’ ladies clothes shop in Inverurie in May 2003, Tartan Touch (originally Tartan Styles for Today’s Women) in 2012, and Lizzy Marie (Bespoke Jewellery Design) in 2017. Tartan Touch was very proud to be selected to take part in Gok Wan’s Fashion Brunch Club in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness this year and was also a finalist for 'The Most Enterprising Business' hosted by Highland Woman Business.

Sharon Whiteley Highland Hydrotherapy

Opening Highland Hydrotherapy has enabled me to turn my love of dogs into a fantastic business.

I am passionate about dogs and aim to improve their quality of life and wellbeing, both physically and mentally while giving owners piece of mind knowing their dogs are handled with love and compassion.

Lifestyle MAG

Tartan Touch

Culbin Edge Luxury contemporary cabin, accommodates up to four guests, a peaceful and stylish retreat at the edge of Culbin Forest.

Relax in a wood fired hot tub, Prosecco in hand, under the stars.

07789 404794 www.culbinedge.co.uk 9

FASHION Black chiffon top ÂŁ49 Yellow textured dress ÂŁ55

Photography

by Gareth Bryant Styling

by Christine Ann De Agostini

10 10

Swish into summer breeze

All from Brambles, Nairn (Yellow dress from Paris Promond) Model: Natasha Samara Hair & Make up: VSO Creatives

White linen-mix dress £99

Lightweight airy knitted top £65 Black slacks £115

Peace and Tranquillity History meets beauty at the small crofting hamlet of Ardclach, close to Glenferness in the old county of Nairn

Lifestyle MAG MAG Lifestyle

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LOCH NESS MARATHON & FESTIVAL OF RUNNING

HELL

Heaven!

If you are going to put yourself through the hell of running a marathon, you may as well do it in heaven. And with breathtaking scenery, fantastic camaraderie and the chance to look out for a pre-historic monster en route, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running is as close to 26.2 miles of paradise as you will get.

T

he annual spectacle on the banks of the worldfamous loch takes place on September 24, with thousands of people of all ages, abilities and nationalities gathering in the Highlands to take on the five different events on the race day programme. Guaranteed entry to the marathon – described by industry bible Runner’s World as one of its top five ‘bucket list’ marathons - has now closed, but those who m issed the deadline can still be on the start for the monster challenge.

Entries are available up until September 4 for runners who are attached to a club or based overseas, and there is the opportunity to enter via one of the event’s official charities. The main charity partner is Macmillan Cancer Support – an organisation which 12

supports people living with cancer and their families.

There are three lead charities – Chest Heart Stroke Scotland, Highland Hospice and MS Society Scotland – and 15 other affiliate charities including local groups like Birchwood Highland and CLAN to national organisations such as The Firefighters Charity and CLIC Sargent. More details about the good causes are available on the event website at www.lochnessmarathon.com Race director Malcolm Sutherland says the organising team is extremely proud of the fundraising undertaken by event participants. He added: “It means a great deal to us that the event has helped to benefit so many charities over the 16 years that it has been in existence. It gives us a real buzz to see so many people wearing charity vests crossing the line, and the faces of those who have been so committed to finishing in aid of good causes.”

September 4 is also the cut off point for runners who wish to enter the River Ness 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge, River Ness 5K or the Wee Nessie fun run for preschoolers. The 10K is known for being a fast and flat route with plenty of PB potential, while the Corporate Challenge has become a must-do event for local businesses.

The River Ness 5K is a great course for people who are just getting into running and fantastic for all the family.

Dozens of people who are taking part in the shorter distance will belong to a school group, youth club or disability organisation who are pulling on their running shoes to fund-raise, and the organisers offer discounted entry fees for teams that fall into this bracket.

LOCH NESS MARATHON & FESTIVAL OF RUNNING SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH 2017

Lifestyle MAG

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LOCH NESS MARATHON & FESTIVAL OF RUNNING

Participants across all races are ensured of a spectacular finish line experience where they will be presented with a goody bag and post-race soup and roll courtesy of sponsor, Baxters. The finish line is at based around the Event Village at the Bught Park in Inverness where runners and spectators can enjoy the Baxters Food and Drink Fayre, a Sports Expo, live music and activities for children.

Entry available online until 4th September at www.lochnessmarathon.com.

Updates also appear on Facebook at facebook.com/lochnessmarathon and on Twitter @nessmarathon – use the hashtag #RunLochNess.

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Described by industry-bible Runner’s World...

'one of our top five ‘bucket list’ marathons

If Carlsberg© made medals...

Fun for all the family in the River Ness 5k.

All smiles at the end of the River Ness 10k.

Lifestyle MAG

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RUNNING PARKRUN

GET UP. GET OUT. Parkrun UK offer a network of running venues across the country - it's the best way to warm-up to a full-blown marathon - and Elgin has its own 5km Parkrun in Cooper Park every Saturday. So whether you live in Moray or are just visiting, sign up and join in with 100s of others who are enjoying runs around the country.

M

ore and more people in and around Moray are taking to the outdoors and running their way around local parks, roads and streets. Joining the weekly Parkrun in Cooper Park is a great way to measure your fitness and exercise with like-minded people of every age group. So pull on your trainers and join up with the rest of the gang. Parkrun UK began in 2004 and membership has since grown to more than 1,350,000 runners. There are around 450 locations around the country that host

Number of events: 88,250 Number of locations: 459 Number of runners: 1,356,736 Average run time: 00:28:04 Total hours run: 865 years 219 days 1hr 41min 36secs 16

. GET RUNNING. Parkruns every week. Elgin has its own Parkrun in Cooper Park every Saturday morning.

Parkrun UK organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, are free and safe and it’s easy to take part. These park runs are ideal for Saturday morning exercise. These low-key running events take place in pleasant parkland around the country every week and are open to all people of all abilities; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from

juniors to those with more experience.

To take part, all you need to do is register online at www.parkrun.org.uk where you will be allocated a unique barcode. Your code is then scanned at every Parkrun you take part in. What better way to explore an area and to run, jog or walk with like-minded people - and keep an eye on your own fitness. After each outing you can track your runs on the website and keep an eye on your own performance.

Elgin Parkrun A 5km run - it’s you against the clock.

When is it?

Every Saturday at 9:30am.

Where is it?

The event takes place in Cooper Park, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1HS. What does it cost to join in?

Nothing - it’s free! but please register before your first run.

Only ever register with Parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.

How fast do I have to be?

We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!

Lifestyle MAG

Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in Cobbs Cafe, Elgin Library, Cooper Park - please come and join us!

Start parkrunning this weekend!

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OUT & ABOUT WITH CHARLIE PHILLIPS

'Me and my dolphins' 'T

Charlie Phillips is Whale and Dolphin Conservation's Chanonry Point (WDC's) Adopt a Dolphin Field Officer, based in the Moray Firth in Scotland. As well as extensive knowledge on the local bottlenose dolphin population, Charlie is a renowned wildlife photographer whose images have won numerous awards and have appeared in publications in the UK and overseas.

During the summer months he is often based at Chanonry Point, welcoming visitors to one of the best land-based dolphin-watching locations in the world.

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he Moray Firth and North East coast of Scotland is home to a resident population of Bottlenose dolphins, around 200 or so in number and I am fortunate to spend my working life studying and photographing these big, charismatic predators. I am again fortunate in that boat access is not always necessary to get access to these dolphins, as they can hunt for seasonal migratory salmon only a few metres from the shore of one particular peninsula – Chanonry Point on the Black Isle near Inverness. I am able to monitor which individual dolphins are using the area by recognising them through their very individual dorsal fins – a technique called “mark recapture” and I often share pictures and data with my friends at Aberdeen University’s Lighthouse Field Station at Cromarty who run the official Photo ID project and whom I sometimes accompany on full day boat surveys.

These dolphins are also highly individual in nature, not just in dorsal fin appearance, and have very distinct characters that you get to know when you study them for an extended period – we are talking decades here though as these are long-lived mammals – 50 years for females isn’t uncommon. I have the honour of having a young male dolphin named after me ID#1025 “Charlie” who is the son of “Kesslet” who I have studied for most of her 23 years of life. The work that I do for the charity Whale and Dolphin Conservation (formerly WDCS) is to study six individuals in particular that the public can “adopt” and support us financially, constantly supplying my support team at head office with the raw ingredients to keep the programme going. It might all sound very romantic, studying dolphins for a living - but up here in northern Scotland it can be hard, arduous work, especially in the winter when the weather is challenging and the dolphins are farther out to sea hunting winter prey like herring.

'Whenever I see a dorsal fin, my heart skips a beat...'

Lifestyle MAG

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'Me myanddolphins' OUT & ABOUT WITH CHARLIE PHILLIPS

To photograph these dolphins from the shore I use some of my professional photography top grade “toys” to get as good images as I can. You will see me throughout the year maybe standing at Chanonry Point with my huge white Canon 500mm lens and high frame rate IDX camera body mounted on a big carbon fibre tripod getting pictures of the dolphins and observing their behaviour as they move in and out of the area, but if I am lucky enough to get out with Aberdeen University or maybe one of the local tour boats in good weather, then I can top up my image bank of dolphins out at sea using much smaller zoom lenses. When out on the Moray Firth I can come across individuals that I might not encounter around Chanonry very often as some of these dolphins have their own favourite areas and might not visit my “office” that frequently. It's great fun catching up with other dolphins that I haven’t seen for a while, especially the females if they have had new babies.

Although I have been doing this for a long time now, I still feel my heart rate increase whenever I see a dorsal fin and I never get tired seeing them – I just love being in the company of my dolphins.”

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The Bottlenose dolphins that inhabit the Moray Firth and North East Coast of Scotland are a species living at the Northerly extreme of their known range.

“On A Rising Tide” is a coffee table style book written and photographed by Charlie telling of the twenty plus year dolphin “love affair” that Charlie has had with these remarkable wild animals through this collection of images, observations and stories.

Charlie has known and worked with some of the wild dolphins in this book for twenty years and hopes to still be working with them in twenty years’ time!

Lifestyle MAG

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Proud sponsors of Spirit of Speyside : Distilled 2017 If you would like us to provide you with a no obligation review of your insurances, or for further information, please contact: Graeme Dempster on 07568 313886 or graeme.dempster@brucestevenson.co.uk

Crafted in the Heart of Malt Edinburgh | Glasgow | Galashiels

www.brucestevenson.co.uk

Whisky Country.

Batch Distilled in a Traditional

Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Copper Still.

4H B O U T I Q U E W H I S K Y E S C A P E

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P o A m t c G

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE DISTILLED 2017

One region under one roof Think of single malt whiskies and names like The Glenlivet and Aberlour or Glenfiddich and The Macallan come to mind. They are among the best known single malt whiskies in the world. Whilst malt whiskies may differ in many ways, one thing binds these distilleries strongly together; their home, Speyside.

H

alf of all the distilleries in Scotland are in Speyside.

This region boasts six of the top 10 best-selling single malts in the world. It is a place of rugged glens and the famous River Spey which is fed by the springs that are the source of the water of life. But Speyside is renowned for much more: artisan gins, locally-brewed beers and ales plus foods such as Walkers Shortbread are also made in Speyside. This September, the food and drink producers of the region will come together under one roof in the Elgin Town Hall for a weekend of celebration. Spirit of Speyside: Distilled will feature worldfamous brands side-by-side with small, up-and-coming producers.Festival Chairman James Campbell says, “Spirit of Speyside: Distilled is a melting pot of fantastic flavours and wonderful personalities sharing their enthusiasm for fine food and drink. People who come will have the chance to enjoy many different tastes, as well to develop their knowledge of food and drink through our menu of masterclasses, each led by an expert.

“We are proud to play a leading role in championing the region’s booming food and drink industry by bringing producers and the public together under one roof to celebrate the delights of the Speyside larder.”

Lifestyle MAG

Visit our stand at

DISTILLED

for some SPEYSIDE HOSPITALITY

For more information on all of our Distillery tours and whisky tasting experiences go to our website and to book online.

www.maltwhiskydistilleries.com 23

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE DISTILLED 2017

TICKETS FOR DISTILLED 2017 Online at distilled.scot and at the following retail outlets: • Gordon & MacPhail, Elgin • Glen Moray Distillery • The Drouthy Cobbler, Elgin • The Station Hotel, Rothes • The Craigellachie Hotel • The Dowans Hotel, Aberlour • The Whisky Shop, Dufftown • The Glenlivet, Glenlivet This celebration of Speyside’s food and drink features four separate sessions which take place from 1-5pm and 6-10pm on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd September.

Tickets cost £20 and include entry, six vouchers for tasting samples of gin, whisky or beer, plus a Glencairn crystal nosing and tasting glass and a lanyard to hold it.

Masterclasses cost an additional £15 per person.

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To get you into the mood for Distilled 2017 try this refreshing cocktail featuring Elgin’s very own El:gin.

El:gin Elderflower Collins 25ml el:gin 10ml elderflower cordial Dash lemon juice Soda water Add cordial el:gin and lemon juice into glass filled with ice. Stir and top up with soda. Add a couple of dried lemon.

1-2 SEPTEMBER 2017 ELGIN TOWN HALL

ONE REG ION , UNDER ONE ROOF

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. DIS TILLED. SCOT Lifestyle MAG

#distilled17

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Ice

MORAY'S ICE CREAM TRAIL

Just like mama used [ to make 6 4 5

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Moray has an extraordinary number of family-run ice cream shops and most of them have Italian roots. Each has its own recipe and secrets - see which you prefer by taking a tour of Moray's own ice cream trail. ...And why not have a go at our ice cream competition on p28!

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cross Scotland, shops and cafĂŠs sell their homemade ice cream to their own well-kept secret recipes handed down through generations. From velvety vanilla, to colourful Italian gelato of numerous flavours, cones, tubs and wafers, ice cream has become an integral part of Scottish culture, and how you like your own is a very personal choice!

Traditionally, ice cream is made with a creambased custard - Italians tend to use more milk and churning their mixture at a much slower speed, giving it a silky, dense texture.

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Cream Moray's ice cream trail

➊ Balvenie Street, Dufftown

8 Balvenie Street, Dufftown, Keith AB55 4AB

➋ Miele's of Forres 28 High Street, Forres, IV36 1DB

➌ Stew 'n' Drew's, Hopeman 35 Harbour Street, Hopeman, IV30 5SJ

➍ Rizza's, Lossiemouth 15 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth IV31 6DJ

➎ Guidi's, Lossiemouth 18 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth IV31 6DJ

➏ Miele's of Lossiemouth 17 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth IV31 6DJ

❼ Fochabers Ice Cream Parlour 33-35 High Street, Fochabers IV32 7DX

❽ Blue Moo, Buckie 17 E Church St, Buckie AB56 1EX

❾ Cullen Ice Cream shop Seafield Street, Cullen, AB56 4SW

Lifestyle MAG

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MORAY'S ICE CREAM TRAIL Why are there so many ice cream makers in Moray?

L

egend has it that 19th century immigrant Italians mistook the Scottish ports of Greenock and Leith for New York and Boston and disembarked believing they had arrived in the New World. Their mistake was to be Scotland's, and in particular Moray’s, gain. The industrious Italians went into catering – fish and chips and ice cream.

By the 1930s almost every town in Scotland boasted an Italian-named ice cream shop or 'chipper'.

The names, if not the original families, are still here.

Rizza's of Huntly opened its first confectionery shop in Keith in 1914. They later established a second shop in the popular holiday resort of Lossiemouth. Today, the company distributes their ice creams all over Scotland.

In fact, Lossie has more than its fair share of Italian influence. La Caverna, Guidi’s Pizzeria and Ice Cream Parlour and the 1629 restaurant are owned by the Guidi family. They are supplied by Equi’s who have been serving up the finest ice cream for more than 90 years, thanks to their proud Scots-Italian heritage, or, “Di Origine Italiana”.

The Miele family established shops in Forres, Lossie and Hopeman. The Lossie shop has been established for over thirty years. Miele’s is an independently owned gelateria serving delicious traditional Italian-style gelato produced fresh daily, on site.

The Petrolini family, first generation Italian ice cream makers, set up shop in Grantown-on-Spey and went on to establish a specialist 'made to order'

Rizza's first shop opened in Keith in 1914 ice cream business supplying hotels, restaurants and cafés on Speyside.

If the Italians made ice-cream exotic, the locals also knew a thing or two about traditional dairy ices. In Buckie, Nick and Arlene are the owners of Blue Moo which boasts 20 different flavours of ice cream including a dairy whippy ice cream and offer gluten free cones. They also make celebration cakes made to order.

Others can see no further than Heather Eddie’s Ice Cream Shop in Cullen where they still use the same vanilla recipe handed down to Heather more than 20 years ago.

Her predecessor inherited the recipe from the previous owners 40 years earlier!

And in Dufftown, as befits the home of Speyside whisky, The Balvenie Street ice cream shop

Competition The Moray Ice Cream Trail is offering wonderful prizes.

To take part, all you need to do is collect a unique code from each of the participating shops. Collect all nine and email them to competitions@mms-publishing.scot or post to Lifestyle Ice Cream competition, MMS Almac Ltd, Unit 6, Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin IV30 1XY. Closing date 29th October 2017 28

produces whisky ice cream.

What else?

STEWNDREWS.CO.UK Stew ‘n’ Drew are 2 guys making luxury dairy ice cream in Hopeman, on the Moray coast. Using milk from a local farm and the choicest ingredients, our flavours are created in small batches and range from the classic to the truly adventurous.

We supply our award-winning ice cream to cafes, delis, parlours, hotels and restaurants across the north of Scotland and as far south as Fort William and Broughty Ferry.

Ice cream lovers should beat a path to Hopeman where the Stew ‘n’ Drew’s ice cream shop serves up an ever-changing feast of 24 flavours from a total range of 120-plus Luxury Ice Creams.

Phone: 01343 830339 Email: admin@stewndrews.co.uk Twitter: @StewnDrews Facebook: StewnDrewsicecream

Guidi’s Pizzeria, Italian Tapas Bar & Ice Cream Parlour

SeleCtion of Equi’s icE-cream availabLe at Guidi’s 18 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth, MoRay iV31 6DJ tel: 01343 815944 www.1629lossiemouth.co.uk/guidis

LOSSIEMOUTH’S No.1 INDEPENDENT CONVENIENCE STORE and GELATERIA STUNNING BEACHFRONT LOCATION NEWLY REFURBISHED GELATERIA WE MAKE FRESH & SERVE DAILY ON SITE FROM 7am – 10pm 17 CLIFTON ROAD LOSSIEMOUTH . IV31 6DJ . TEL : 01343 813848 WWW.MIELESOFLOSSIE.CO.UK

Lifestyle MAG

29

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

For over 30 years Rotary clubs UK-wide have been committed to fighting to eradicate polio worldwide. The Rotary Club of Huntly has come up with its own plan to support the scheme.

Purple 4 Polio

S

ince the Rotary Club initiated their project to eradicate polio worldwide, the number of polioendemic countries has dropped from 125 to just 3, with over 2.5 billion children receiving the vaccinations thanks to the help of Rotary.

With eradication now closer then ever, Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland’s latest campaign, Purple4Polio is designed to unite communities to engage in activities as part of the final push to eradicate for good.

The campaign ties in with the 100-year anniversary of The Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s own and only charity.

The Rotary Club of Huntly has invented its own blueberry flavoured purple ice-cream, produced by Rizza’s of Huntly. The ice cream has been manufactured in two sizes with the proceeds of all of its sales going to Rotary’s ‘End Polio Now’ campaign.

Huntly’s project was the brainchild of club members Paul Robinson, Stuart Wright and Philip Morrison (of James Rizzas’s & Sons Ltd) who saw it as a great way to tie in with the national campaign.

In addition, the US-based Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has agreed to a 2 to 1 match contribution pledge, so all proceeds will go even further and make an even bigger difference.

So far the ice-cream alone has provided more than 6,360 immunisations and with the backing of the Gates’ Foundation that figure has trebled to 19,092.

The ice-cream has showcased at the Beach Ballroom, 30

Aberdeen, in Holyrood for MSPs and at the Annual Conference of Rotary Great Britain and Ireland in Manchester.

Every 125ml carton of ice-cream will provide one immunisation, while a litre tub will supply three.

Purple4Polio ice-cream is available to buy as single tubs or one litre cartons from Rizza’s shop in Huntly, or bigger orders for events direct from the factory.

Paul Robinson and Stuart Wright from the Rotary Club of Huntly

‘Our ice cream has already provided more than 6,360 polio immunisations... ...that number has been boosted to 19,092 by the Bill and Melissa Gates’ Foundation’ Lifestyle MAG

Polio Facts...

While polio is a distant memory in most of the world, the disease still exists and mainly affects children under five. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs).

There are just three countries which have never stopped transmission of polio These are Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.

Cheap and effective vaccines are available The oral can be administered by anyone, even volunteers. One dose can cost as little as 14 US cents.

Every child must be vaccinated...

To get each vaccine safely to children everywhere, all manner of transport is used – from donkeys to motorbikes to helicopters – to reach those living in remote areas, in conflict zones or difficult terrain.

31

OF HUNTLY

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

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.

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

Restaurant Open Fri, Sat & Sun 6.00pm till late

Shops in Huntly and Lossiemouth

Rizza’s of Huntly 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

Reservations: 07955 710755

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

8 BALVENIE STREET, DUFFTOWN, MORAY AB55 4AB

17 East Church Street, Buckie AB56 1EX TEL: 01542 488484

20 FLAVOURS OF DELICIOUS SCOTTISH ICE CREAM LUXURY SINGLE MALT WHISKY ICE CREAM TRADITIONAL SWEET EMPORIUM OPENING HOURS

TUESDAY - SUNDAY 12 NOON - 5PM • Over 20 different flavours of ice cream and offer gluten free cones • Special occasion cakes made to order to your design, including novelty and wedding cakes.

• Extensive range of cake decorating supplies suitable for beginners through to professionals • Large pick n mix stand and traditional boiling sweets too Nick and Arlene are the owners of Blue Moo and always look forward to welcoming customers old and new.

WWW.BALVENIEST.CO.UK

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Opening hours 12-8pm Monday (school holidays) 11-8pm Tuesday - Saturday and 12-8pm Sunday.

Blue Moo Buckie and Blue Moo Cake Winter opening times vary.

and Cake Decorating supplies

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.M ACL E ANS BAKERY.CO M

O U R DE L IC IO U S STRAWB E R RY TA RTS

of the year 2017

of the year 2017

ST RAWBE R R I E S SO URCE D LO CAL LY FROM WESTER HARDMUIR FARM, 3 MILES FROM THE BAKERY SBYA17 Retail baker.indd 1

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

delicious, freshly cooked & locally sourced food OPENING TIMES

Please come and visit for a quiet drink in a nice relaxing atmosphere Lossiemouth raft race 2017 food served from 12pm - 8pm sunday 13th august 2017

Lifestyle MAG

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

Speciality Cocktails Over 70 Gins...

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

33

RIVERSIDE KITCHENS

Everything and the k We at Riverside Kitchens are celebrating our 18th Birthday in August. We have designed and fitted kitchens for thousands of homes in this area - even some as far away as the Falklands.

A

t Riverside, we have all the latest innovations and products available in The Oakwood showroom on the A96 just north of Elgin.

We supply both retail and contract kitchens – from compact rooms to house builders with sites of 200 homes – we have kitchens that enable us to supply and fit to both. One of our biggest selling points is we have our own kitchen fitters who are not subcontractors, keeping Riverside Kitchens in control of every kitchen we install.

OUR DESIGNERS

Expert knowledge and advice

Kathryn and Jenny are two of our design team. Between them they have over 25 years' experience in kitchen design.

We asked them how kitchen design has changed over the years?

Kathryn: The biggest change I have noticed in kitchen design is that there are less kitchen units in a kitchen, but every unit now has a function with storage much more easily accessible.

Jenny: Even in the short time that I have been designing kitchens, I have seen many changes. The cooker hood being one of the main items. It is no longer a huge stainless steel item in the middle of your room; ceiling hoods, downdrafts and cooker hoods are actually in the hob its self - how fantastic is that?

34

The Oven Kathryn: The oven has so many functions, which today include steam cooking, combi-microwave, which can be controlled by wifi, and the best of all, it's totally selfcleaning called Pyrolytic cleaning. Your oven heats up to 500 degrees and all the grease and muck is burnt off, all that is left is grey dust – this amazing function costs only 27 pence per use. Imagine never having to clean an oven again. Most of the appliances that we provide have 5-year warranties as standard.

Jenny: I love the wifi functions; you can set your oven to switch on from your phone and, hey presto, your dinner is ready for you as you walk through your front door – cooked to perfection, and if you are struggling for a recipe the oven app has hundreds of recipes to give you inspiration.

Worktops choices Jenny: We install more solid surfaces than ever before Corian, Silestone and Granite. Each has its own special properties – Corian is a totally seamless look, Silestone nonporous and stain proof, granite worktops where the most amazing patterns can make your kitchen totally your own.

Splashbacks Kathryn: Splashbacks used to be only tiles but now most of the splashbacks we provide are glass - no grout or silicon to get dirty and a choice of 1950 colours to make your kitchen unique.

Advertisement

e kitchen sink!

Designers Kathryn and Jenny...

'The kitchen is no longer a room at the back of the house - it is now the heart of your home'

Jenny (left) and Kathryn Kitchen layouts Jenny: The kitchen is no longer a tiny room at the back of the house. A kitchen is now the heart of your home where families spend most of their time together. We design rooms with islands and seating areas which enables lots of worktop space for cooking and eating both casual and formal.

Kathryn: One of the other changes we have noticed because of open plan family areas is that dishwashers and cooker hoods have become much quieter so everyone can speak without shouting and fridges have become larger to store more shopping as homes are much warmer now, fruit and vegetables will go off unless stored in the fridge.

At Riverside Kitchens, we can provide a measure service or you can take your drawings into The Oakwood and work with one of our designers to enable you to get the kitchen of your dreams - just pop in or give us a ring.

Lifestyle MAG

SHOWROOM The Oakwood Forres Road Elgin IV30 8UN Tel: 01343 552202 Opening hours Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday closed Appointments can be made outwith these hours www.riversidekitchens.co.uk 35

WORLD RECORDS

Rolling out the b

As the Speyside Cooperage celebrates its 70th year, Visitor Centre manager Gill Reid comes up with a plan to really get people talking...

36

H

ow to celebrate 70 years of the Speyside Cooperage and 25 years of the Cooperage’s Visitor Centre in such a way that it will be more than just memorable? Visitor Centre manager, Gill Reid, wanted something out of the ordinary that would get people talking and would also put both the Cooperage and the Visitor Centre even more firmly on the map.

Dismissing such possibilities as a commemorative dinner, Gill came up with the idea of a barrel building

barrels 7 minutes: 30 seconds

Can they beat it?

contest – but one with a twist. Why not get the Guinness World Records team involved? And so it happened: representatives from the Guinness World Records were invited to the Cooperage, discussions took place and wheels were set in motion.

Taking data from cooperages around the world, the Guinness World Records team came up with an arbitrary time of seven minutes and thirty seconds – sufficient time in which to raise a 190-litre cask – and it was this time that

Lifestyle MAG

had to be beaten in order to create a new world record.

Nothing like this had ever been done before anywhere in the world and the honour of the cooperage was at stake.

A 190-litre barrel has 28 staves, six metal hoops and two wooden barrel ends, which have to be sealed with reed. Watching the experienced coopers makes the process of raising a barrel look easy but it takes four years of apprenticeship to reach the desired level of competence. It most definitely is not easy. The coopers 37

WORLD RECORDS

...smashed

work at lightning speed every day and can complete up to 30 barrels in one day.

Volunteers were called for and four men stepped forward into history. Brent Bowie, David McKenzie, Kyle Cooper and Calum Lawson were to go head-to-head in the challenge and one of them would become a world record holder. Weeks of practice went into preparing for the event.

On Saturday, 29th April, in front of a crowd of about 300 people, including Moray MSP Richard Lochhead and Jack Brockbank, an official Guinness World Records adjudicator from London, the four men were piped into the Cooperage by the Strathisla Pipe Band. The tension was high and the men’s nerves must have been jangling.

After a 3,2,1 whistle-blow start they set to amidst an eerie silence peppered only by the sound of the men’s tools hammering wood and metal.

The time of seven and a half minutes was shattered 38

outright by all four men, who raised their barrels in less than half that time. The winner was David McKenzie with an incredible time of three minutes and three seconds.

But all was not over until all four barrels had been tested to make sure that they met the industry’s standards. An independent specialist ensured they were all watertight; the men had done it, they had smashed the arbitrary time and David McKenzie was now an official Guinness World Record holder. Celebrations all round!

d it!

3 minutes: 3 seconds

Lifestyle MAG

39

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE REBOOT

A local IT recycling service is going from strengthto strength. Set up in Forres 20 years ago, ReBOOT gives new life to old and provides life-changing, hands-on training to people with long-term needs.

W

hat exactly does Social Enterprise mean? Perhaps it is best explained by a definition from Social Enterprise Scotland: “A dynamic and inspiring way of doing business. Social enterprises are innovative, independent businesses that exist specifically for social and/or environmental purposes.”

A social enterprise supports social and environmental concerns in the community, with no shareholders or owners taking any profit from their business activity. All the money made from such an enterprise is reinvested to develop the business’ social and environmental objectives.

Social Enterprises are not a legal entity but, more simply, a way of doing business. It is a very simple concept and it is being embraced throughout Moray. Think Moray Waste Busters, Elgin Youth Cafe, Waste Watchers and In Stitches and – further afield – Jamie Oliver’s restaurant Fifteen and the Eden Project and you get the general idea of the benefit that social enterprises can bring to a community and its people.

One such social enterprise is ReBOOT, a registered Scottish charity founded in 1997 on

40

an industrial estate in Forres and, 20 years later, going very strong indeed. They are a Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher and, as such, are a fully compliant IT recycling service for businesses and householders, providing high-quality, low-priced refurbished computer systems to customers’ specifications. During these 20 years they have recycled over 1,600 tonnes of unwanted IT hardware, have donated over 800 items to over 170 people and organisations and have offered over 98,000 hours of volunteer time to hundreds of people.

They are not only recycling materials and

1,600 tonnes

of unwanted hardware

800 items to 170 people 98,000 volunteer hours

Lifestyle MAG

41

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE REBOOT

Giving new life to old... involvement can be life-changing

giving new life to old but, perhaps more importantly, they are providing hands-on training for people furthest from society, such as long-term unemployed and people with long term sickness or physical/mental support needs. For such people, this involvement can be life-changing.

Working in IT recycling can attract a fair amount of anoraks; contrary to popular opinion, these people can be extraordinarily creative and they often see things far more laterally. During the day-to-day running of ReBOOT, these lateral-thinking people have noticed a lot of material going through the recycling process which could have a new lease of life as something completely different.

Lee McGrath, General Manager at ReBOOT, sees this upcycling – or creative reuse, if you will – as “a creative new venture – this upcycling is closer to our social and environmental aims”.

42

Computer hardware and software items have been turned into clocks, key-rings, desk tidies and briefcases, and can be bought at the ReBOOT shop. The items are keenly priced and customers can take satisfaction from the fact that the profit from every purchase gets ploughed back to benefit the community. With no shareholders or owners taking profit from the business, it is the community working for the community.

ReBOOT has a call-out to the local community – could you possibly assist them in their work by donating an old portable building, such as a portacabin that is due to be put out to grass. It could be ‘recycled’ with them and would provide a much-needed creative space.

If you could oblige, please contact Lee at lee@rebootforres.co.uk or call him on 01309 671681.

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

Improving rural opportunites My focus as Cabinet Secretary is to build growth all across rural Scotland, including in Moray. "Repeopling" our rural communities, especially young people, to come to and stay and live and work on the land - is key.

That is why I have increased funding to support new and young entrants into farming and set up a working group to explore how to make more publicly owned land available for farming. Young farmers need appropriate advice and support to develop sustainable businesses and opportunities to learn new skills and study for qualifications in key rural industries - not just farming, but food production, land management, forestry, animal welfare and plant

R

Enjoy the Outdoors this Summer!

S

science. Through Developing Scotland's Young Workforce, this government is supporting vocational learning and apprenticeships, giving young people practical and hands-on opportunities to learn.

But none of this can work without the input of businesses, giving up valuable time and sharing priceless expertise with the next generation, as well as creating career opportunities.

Internships offered by forward thinking organisations like Ringlink (see page 44) provide a valuable first step "in the door". I hope other industries and businesses take up their invite and get involved in offering placements.

Fergus Ewing

Rely on Ringlink Services...

L

Ringlink Services your expert in training solutionsLtd

Tel: 01561 376000 email: laurencekirk@ringlinkservices.co.uk www.ringlinkservices.co.uk

For all your Training and Assessment Requirements

Aberlour Pharmacy is proud to be the first company in the world to stock Smidge. We have read up on the research and we’re excited for the launch! It has lived up to all the expectations and is excellent at keeping away the Scottish Midges.

Delivering Quality Training and Assessments Throughout the Country

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01340 871 279 or email

nhsg.aberlourcp@nhs.net

Delivering Quality Training and Assessments Throughout the Country

We have been running half day sprayer Operator courses for a number of years. This year the course includes • Stores & Storage Transport • • Sprayer Sprayer Problems • Buffers • LERAPSOperator • Product Revocation Course • Footpaths We have numerous courses running throughout the country, please refer to the calendar for suitable dates and venues.

Please call for additional dates as the list only represents a selection.

10 NRoSO Points

• ILA Funding Available • Quality Assurance Approved

Are you taking the Pesticides?

01-Dec-08

03-Dec-08

• Lantra Training

Coupar Angus Kirkintilloch

19-Jan-09

Inverness

09-Feb-09

Coupar Angus

16-Feb-09

Thainston

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• City & Guilds NPTC Assessments Chainsaw •

112 High Street, Aberlour, Moray, AB38 9NX

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• • • • • • • •

24/11/2008 Laurencekirk 26/11/2008 Inverurie 26/11/2008 Banchory 27/11/2008 Falkirk 01/12/2008 Munlochy AreRothbury you taking 02/12/2008 02/12/2008 Keith 01-Dec-08 02/12/2008 Thurso 03-Dec-08 08/12/2008 Cupar 08/12/200819-Jan-09 Annan 08/12/2008 Perth 09-Feb-09 09/12/2008 Pathhead 16-Feb-09 15/12/2008 Ellon

Sprayer Operator Course We have been running half day sprayer Operator courses for a number of years. This year the course includes • Stores & Storage Transport • • Sprayer Problems • Buffers • LERAPS • Product Revocation • Footpaths We have numerous courses running throughout the country, please refer to the calendar for suitable dates and venues.

Please call for additional dates as the list only represents a selection.

10 NRoSO Points the Pesticides?

Coupar Angus Kirkintilloch Inverness Coupar Angus Thainston

Other Courses Include

Arboriculture First Aid Manual Handling Tractor Driving Trailer Towing Excavator Forklift Rat & Mouse Control

• • • • • • • • •

Call Ringlink Services on 01561 376000

Providing Training SoluTionS acroSS The counTry

Call Mearns & Angus Services 01561 376000 www.mearnsandangus.com

PROVIDING TRAINING SOLUTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY SLUG PELLET UPDATE Upgrade your PA1 and PA2 to a PA4S by attending this half day seminar.

NPTC AssessmeNTs We deliver the full suite of NPTC Certificates of Competence across the country.

Give us a call for details.

FIRST AID TRAINING Appointed Person 3 Day First Aid at Work 2 Day Refresher Training Courses running in: Aberdeen Forfar Coupar Angus We can also offer this at your own premises for a maximum of 12 people per course.

13 TO 16 yEAR OLD

Laurencekirk Inverurie Banchory Falkirk Munlochy Rothbury Keith Thurso Cupar Annan Perth Pathhead Ellon

Chainsaw Arboriculture First Aid Manual Handling Tractor Driving Trailer Towing Excavator Forklift Rat & Mouse Control

Call Mearns & Angus Services 01561 376000 www.mearnsandangus.com

Lifestyle MAG

24/11/2008 26/11/2008 26/11/2008 27/11/2008 01/12/2008 02/12/2008 02/12/2008 02/12/2008 08/12/2008 08/12/2008 08/12/2008 09/12/2008 15/12/2008

FOOD HyGIENE Food Hygiene courses to meet quality assurance running at a venue near you.

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIqUES Do you need to deliver training?

Ensure that you have the correct skills to deliver training effectively.

The next course starts on the 10th May 2010 in Perth.

DRIvER CPC Don’t miss out on your periodic training. You must gain 35 hours of Periodic Training before September 2014.

Aberdeen Coupar Angus TRAILER TOwING (B+E)

43

RURAL EDUCATION

Farmers of our f Ringlink's successful Internship programme provides young people with rural skills and training, making them ready for employment in land-based mentor businesses

S

cotland’s largest machinery ring, Ringlink Scotland, has just placed this year's fifteen young interns into land-based mentor businesses for a six-month work placement across the North-East, Moray, Perthshire and Angus. The youngsters, aged between 16 and 18, have recently completed a three week residential induction at the Scottish Rural College (SRUC) at Craibstone Campus in Aberdeen. They are now qualified to take 26 weeks of fully paid work experience with a mentor business.

The Internship programme, now in its fifth year, provides young people with essential certificated skills training and the opportunity to gain vital work experience and mentoring. This year, applications have increased by 46 per cent.

44

Many of the interns have remained with their mentor placements on a full-time basis; eight have pursued further education or apprenticeships, whilst the others have secured other full-time employment following their valuable training and experience.

The success of the programme has been based around locating mentor placements close to home for the interns, as the majority of applicants are not independently mobile.

Most placements will be within a 10-mile radius of where

THE 2017 INTERNS Nicholas Davidson,16 Kate Sellar,16 Owen MacKintosh,17 Murray Reid,16 William King,16 Joe Avis,16 Robert Auchnie,17 Niko Jasieniecki,16 Murray Bell,16 Ruari Wild-Wood,18 Megan Thom,16 Shaun Buckle,16 Lewis Peters,17 Aidan Yule,16 Blair Robertson,16.

future?

Risk Assessments Emergency First Aid Manual Handling Tractor Driving Telescopic Forklift Introduction to livestock Certificate of Work Readiness (CWR)

the interns live, therefore continued support from mentor businesses throughout the land-based sector is crucial to allow youngsters from non-agricultural backgrounds to enter the industry. SRUC Assistant Principal, Kyrsten Black, said the scheme had the potential to benefit everyone in the industry: “SRUC needs to be meeting the requirements of the industry at a range of levels. I don’t think the industry will survive on farmers’ sons and daughters; the industry needs new blood.”

Lifestyle MAG

SRUC has formally recognised the programme as the Land-based Pre-apprenticeship qualification which more accurately reflects that candidates can progress on to a modern apprenticeship afterwards, should they wish to do so.

Ringlink Managing Director, Graham Bruce, commented: “Working in partnership with SRUC we currently await for Skills Development Scotland to formally recognise the Landbased Pre-apprenticeship as a mainstream Pre-apprenticeship programme in agriculture. It is our hope to achieve national accreditation by the end of the year and attract educational funding which will provide long-term security and a recognised route for youngsters to enter the sector.”

Ringlink urges all businesses in the land-based sector to support our industry's future workforce and consider whether they can offer a six month work placement. gail@ringlinkscotland.co.uk or 01561 377790.

Recruitment for the Pre-Apprenticeship 2018 will commence from November 2017.

45

EATING OUT

France meets Scotland in the Seven Stills bistro-pub in Dufftown where all things whisky can be tried and tasted.

T

he Auld Alliance between France and Scotland dates back to 1295 and was originally built upon the two countries’ shared interests in controlling England’s aggressive expansion plans. However, what started as a military alliance developed over time into a commercial alliance due, in the main, to the Scots’ love of

French wine.

This blending of French and Scottish is being continued in the small town of Dufftown. The historic Royal Oak pub is now under new ownership and has been renamed Seven Stills. With members of their family already resident in Dufftown, French chef/patron Patrick Bernoud and his

Above from left: Carrot and cumin soup; Highlander platter; Dundee beef stew 46

Scottish red fruit pavlova Scottish-born wife, Rosamund, together with their two sons, made the decision in 2015 to leave the Burgundy area of France and to relocate to Scotland.

Dufftown owes its existence to James Duff, 4th Earl of Fife who, in the 19th Century, established the town as housing for soldiers returning from the Napoleonic War. The street plan is simple, with four roads meeting at the clock tower, a category B listed building.

Located in stunning countryside with the River Fiddich close by and an abundance of clear spring water tumbling down from the surrounding rolling hills, Dufftown is the perfect location for whisky production. More whisky is produced here than in any other town in Scotland – they say that Rome was built on seven hills and Dufftown was built on seven stills and the town is justifiably proud of its distilleries.

Patrick and Rosamund have taken a quintessentially Scottish pub and have transformed it, with a nod to the

Lifestyle MAG

French way of doing things, into a small, intimate bistro.

The whitewashed exterior gives very little away: enter through the solid black door and be greeted by exposed stone walls and low, beamed ceilings. Light oak tables and chairs, a small woodburning stove, strategic pieces of antique furniture and mirrors, beautiful ceiling lights and carefully chosen decorative touches welcome you and invite you to linger. The whole effect is warm and charming and is enhanced in the evenings by soft candlelight. This is not a place to eat at the gallop.

There is a set menu, complemented by daily signature dishes. It is not overly extensive – thankfully – and features ingredients sourced, where possible, from local suppliers.

Everything is carefully prepared, beautifully presented on pristine white crockery and served with flair. The wellstocked bar has a comprehensive selection of single malt whiskies, artisan Scottish gins, vodkas and craft beers.

The soft drinks selection will surprise you – as well as the 47

EATING OUT NOUVEAU ALLIANCE

obvious stalwarts, there are very unusual mixers that you may not have heard of but, once tried, will become firm favourites.

In addition to the bistro menu, the Seven Stills also offers themed events. If you have never thought about a marriage of whisky and chocolate, now is the time to give your taste buds a treat with one of their specialised nosings and tastings. Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday evening at 8pm Alistair will spend an hour or so leading you through a selection of four malt whiskies and four artisan chocolates, which have been created by Cocoa Ooze in Aberdeen to specially complement the whiskies chosen.

For those who prefer to go it alone, you can choose the whisky and cheese pairings - three different Balvenie whiskies and three cheeses, sourced from the Cheese Pantry at Connage, near Ardersier; or indulge in the Hidden Gems, three superb but little-known malts. Alistair is always on hand to answer any questions and is more than happy to engage in conversation with snippets of behindthe-scenes stories.

However, if gin is your preferred tipple, then book yourself into one of their gin tasting sessions.

You could end a perfect day with a quiet cocktail or simply sit at the bar with a cafetiere of coffee and a newspaper.

For those who would prefer an alcohol-free event, their special 48

Aberlour single malt pannacotta afternoon tea is for you. Harking back to a more gentle age, the table will be set with dainty china crockery and a selection of cakes and sandwiches will tempt you. A truly wonderful way to spend time with good friends.

If you fancy a little bit of history, then go on one of Alistair’s Mortlach history and whisky walks. Alistair, Rosamund’s brother, will be your guide for an in-depth fascinating insight into all things Mortlach, from the Celtic monks who first brought the knowledge of distilling to Dufftown to the latest happenings at the distillery. You will hear all manner of stories, myths and legends about the distinctive, robust single malt that is beloved of whisky drinkers the world over.

Seven Stills is not just a bistro and pub for the over-18s: children are more than welcome and so are well-behaved dogs. Time can be spent doing a whisky label jigsaw (the finished puzzle is shaped like a whisky bottle and can be left unfinished overnight, undisturbed, should you wish); Glen Moray Jenga, chess, cards and dominoes can also be enjoyed without the fear of being asked to vacate your table. In fact, Patrick and Rosamund have gone the extra mile to ensure that your time in the Seven Stills is as enjoyable and relaxed as possible.

Whisky themed mini-quizzes, with the prize of a dram, pop up on an ad-hoc basis – Alistair will gauge his clientele and can announce a quick quiz when you least expect it.

Hand-pressed game terrine salad All great fun and a good way to meet the people at the next table.

So what about the food? Firm favourites from the set menu are Hunter’s Chicken and the Mixed Game Casserole, a mouthwatering melange of pheasant, pigeon and venison in a black stout sauce. Wildly decadent! The Dundee Beef Stew just has to be sampled – Dundee marmalade and French red wine take this dish to a new level. Hearty portions of home made bread are on hand to mop up any rich sauces and also to dip in a French Onion Soup that is worthy of awards. And to round everything off – a Tipsy Laird, Scottish trifle married with a liberal amount of Drambuie, or a Glenfarclas 105 cake which is flamed at your table – a true show-stopper and a dish to die for. If these are perhaps too rich for your palate, then plump for the cheeseboard, followed by freshly ground coffee from artisan roasters Cairngorm Leaf and Bean.

It could be said that whisky was created for the sole purpose of enhancing good conversation and a dram of one of Scotland’s finest single malts will round everything off beautifully, creating long-lasting memories of a great evening.

Seven Stills is open from 12noon to 11pm, with food orders taken until 10pm. It is open every day except Thursday. Tel: O1340 820880

Lifestyle MAG

Balvenie with cheese 49

ART

DREAMS OF LAND AND SEA

Moray artist Brian C Young’s newest paintings express the wild beauty of the Scottish mountains and islandse

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reams of Land and Sea is the latest exhibition by Forres based artist Brian Crawford Young. In this show he develops and extends his expressive and gestural style to the landscape of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Painted from sketches done while camping in wild and remote places, they seek to capture the timeless beauty of mountain, sea and sky. Brian is an honours graduate of Moray School of Art (UHI), and has been painting for twenty years. He received a scholarship to be the Artist in Residence with a prestigious New York art school, and has exhibited there and in Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen.

‘Dreams of Land and Sea’ The Nicholson Gallery and Framers, 1 St. Catherines Road, Forres, Moray, IV36 1LL. From 5th - 31st August. Open 10am - 4pm.

Tuesday to Saturday. Admission free.

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Luring you in...

A new exhibition of all things 'Spey' opens in the middle of August with two talented artists...

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e are looking forward to an exciting August at Still Life Gallery with a new exhibition of paintings of the Spey starting on the 19th August and running through until the end of September. Very talented artists Graeme Nairn and Lesley Boyd have diligently produced a stunning body of work covering a variety of the most popular beats and pools on the river. Limited edition prints and original oil paintings will be available for sale.

A couple of new maps and some older ones will also be available framed or unframed.

TheGallery inAberlour FINE ART & FRAMING SCOTTISH LAN DSCAP ES WI LDLI F E F ISH I NG & WH ISKY EXQUISITE WOOD TURN I NG P OTTERY & CARDS

STILL LIFE STUDIO A new artist called ChloĂŤ Tinsley whose family has long links with the Spey has also recently joined us. Her quirky cards and prints are already proving popular. (Above.)

We look forward to seeing you in the gallery.

Lifestyle MAG

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

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MUSIC THE STRATHSPEY FIDDLERS

Gigging in G This August, a troop of young musicians head to Kronach, the area in Germany twinned with Banffshire, to celebrate the annual Schutzenfest

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opular Moray and Aberdeenshire music group, the Strathspey Fiddlers, are set to head off on a summer adventure, as they take their traditional music skills on tour in Germany.

The Strathspey Fiddlers, which was formed by weel kent Moray musician Donald Barr, is now in its 21st year and continues to support and grow the talents of many exceptional young musicians.

Now under the leadership of Steve Brown of Glass in

THE STRATHSPEY FIDDLERS From left to right: Craig Gordon; Steve Brown; Angus Montgomery; Callum Gordon; Rosie Winchester; Holly Strathdee; Abby Nye; Neve Paterson; Meghann Winchester; Molly McQueen; Hannah Riddoch; Murray Gordon; Mark Strathdee Other fiddlers not in the picture on their way to Germany...

Calum Jones; Lucas Macintosh; Sorcha Gall; Eilidh Simmers; Dodie? ยง Simmers 52

n Germany West Aberdeenshire, the Fiddlers have had regular summer tours across Europe and even as far afield as Texas and Canada.

This year a group of around fifteen musicians plus five others supporting the group will be based in Kronach, an area of Germany twinned with Banffshire, and they will be playing in a variety of locations as part of the annual Schutzenfest celebrations.

The tour will take in Bamberg, Hof, Nuremberg and Coburg along with several events in Kronach itself, including taking part in the big Sunday parade that marks the finale of the Schutzenfest.

This year the group will include four pipers, two of whom are regular players with the Fiddlers, including Steve Brown himself.

The ethos of the group has always been to showcase the range of talents that the members have and the young musicians are always encouraged to show off other skills such as dancing, singing and playing a variety of instruments in addition to their main instrument.

Over the years the Strathspey Fiddlers have built many strong relationships with the communities they have visited, collected many lasting memories and made many friendships along the way. The group averages between twelve to fifteen members and around 100 musicians have played with the group in its twenty one years. Many players have gone on to be leading lights in well-known bands performing around the world. Current member Calum Jones is embarking on a successful solo career, with recent airtime on Radio Two's Jo Whiley show.

The Fiddlers' Germany tour this August marks their fourth trip to Kronach, strengthening the ties with Banffshire and Scotland even further. Steve says the group are particularly looking forward to flying the flag for Banffshire and Scotland during the Sunday parade of Schutzenfest, which always gets a great reaction from the locals!

In addition to their tours, which have ranged from

Lifestyle MAG

Kronach - twinned with Banffshire

Cornwall to Canada, the Strathspey Fiddlers have longstanding support from whisky giant Chivas. They regularly perform at corporate hospitality events at the distillery, which brings in valuable income for the group as well as being an regular showcase for Moray and Aberdeenshire musical talent to an influential and international audience.

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Spey THINGS TO DO

Staycation

Decided to stay at home this summer? Or are you on holiday and wondering what to do next? Local teenager Angus has come up with these great suggestions... take his advice and you can't go wrong!

1. Morayvia Kinloss

3. Knockando Woolmill

4. Ace Adventures

A new four-star aviation museum displaying former aircraft and other military vehicles that were once used in the north east. Experience being at the controls of a Sea King rescue helicopter and sitting in the cockpit of a Nimrod.

Open at weekends 11am to 5pm £5 adults/£3 children www.morayvia.org.uk 01309 691916 IV36 3YA

Aberlour Since 1784 the looms at Knockando Woolmill have kept alive the historic process of carding, spinning, warping and weaving to produce the finest woollen products. Visitors can enjoy tours around the mill and then savour local and award winning food from the café. Woollen produce from the mill can be purchased from the shop online or in store.

Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-4pm Guided tour from £5pp www.knockandowoolmill.org.uk 01340 810345 AB38 7RP

River Findhorn From white water rafting on the River Findhorn and cliff jumping at Randolph’s Leap to canyoning and paintballing there is something for everyone at this purpose built activity centre in the woods. Adventures can last a full day or half day.

Open all year round Varied prices - booking essential! www.aceadventures.co.uk 01309 611729 IV36 2QL (roughly!)

2. Elgin Cathedral Elgin Labelled ‘Lantern of the North’ this impressive 13th century cathedral allows visitors to explore the grounds of the now ruin. Today you can climb 90ft up two remaining towers and take in the stunning views of Elgin and beyond.

Open 9:30am to 5:30pm £6 adults/£3.60 children/£4.80 concessions www.historicenvironment.scot 01343 547171 IV30 1HU 54

5. Cullen Beach Cullen A quiet, uninterrupted, sandy bay with tremendous water quality. Cullen is a peaceful small fishing village famous for the dish ‘Cullen Skink’.

‘Bow Fiddle Rock’ at Portknockie is worth exploring as well as seeing the large rocks called the ‘Three Kings’ nearer the town. Dolphins are often spotted here.

Free! www.visitscotland.com AB56 4WB

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7. Ballindalloch Castle

6. Glenfiddich Distillery Dufftown Enjoy a tour of arguably the most famous whisky distillery in the world.

Discover, from an expert guide, the traditional processes used to create a single malt, followed by a tasting of four Glenfiddich whiskies.

Open 7 days 9.30am to 4pm Tours from £10pp (Over 18s) www.glenfiddich.com 01340 820373 AB55 4DH

Lifestyle MAG

Aberlour Explore and enjoy this tranquil fairy-tale castle situated on the banks of the River Spey. Take a tour of the castle or simply walk around the paths in the castle grounds. The walled garden and tearoom here are certainly worth a visit, not to mention the castle’s award winning loos!

Open Sunday to Friday 10am to 5pm Prices from £6 adults/£2.50 children/£6 seniors www.ballindallochcastle.co.uk 01807 500205 AB37 9AX 55

THINGS TO DO 8. Huntly Castle Huntly Seat for one of Scotland’s most important families, Huntly Castle dates as far back as the 12th century.

Today a ruin but still very impressive, visitors can access almost all areas. Much of the engravings are preserved along with the magnificent frontispiece.

Open 7 days 9.30am to 5.30pm £6 adults/£3.60 children/£4.80 concessions www.historicenvironment.scot 01466 793191 AB54 4SH

10. Gordon Castle Walled Garden Fochabers Famous for its award-winning gin, Gordon Castle’s 8-acre walled garden is one of Britain’s biggest and oldest. Work to restore and renovate the 15th century garden is near completion and now there is a café, shop and play area where fresh produce is served and sold.

Open 7 days 10am to 4pm £5 adults/Children enter free www.gordoncastlescotland.com 01343 612333 IV32 7PQ

12. Huntly Falconry Centre Huntly Watch owls, falcons, hawks, eagles and vultures in the multiple flight demonstrations each day. Visitors have the chance to hold the birds and can book falconry lessons.

Open 7 days from 10:30am Demonstrations at 11am, 12:45pm and 2:30pm £7.50 adults/£5.50 children/ £6.50 concessions. www.huntly-falconry-centre.com 07717 705994 AB54 4UU

11. Keith & Dufftown Railway Keith/Dufftown 9. North 58º Sea Adventures A conserved heritage railway Findhorn Discover the Moray Firth’s natural beauty and thriving wildlife from the waters around Findhorn. The two hour long guided wildlife adventures allow you to get up close and personal to all sorts of marine life, from puffins and seals to dolphins and even orca.

Contact for opening hours £30 adults/£25 children - booking essential. www.north58.co.uk 01309 690099 IV36 3YE 56

passing through some of Moray’s most scenic countryside. Climb aboard and be taken back in time as the classic trains journey 11 miles from Dufftown station, over Glenfiddich viaduct then stopping at Drummuir and onwards to Keith Town Station.

See website for timetables and operating days £11 adults/£5 children/£9 concession (based on return ticket) www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk 01340 821181 AB55 4BA

13. Elgin Kart Raceway Lhanbryde Karting on the 500m race course or laser tag. Professional timing with lap by lap analysis ensures no family debates on who’s the quickest. Contact for opening hours 30 mins of karting £24 per person www.elginkartraceway.co.uk 01343 843666 IV30 8LN

& it’s what we do.

• design studio • digital print department • 5 colour litho print department

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

Lifestyle MAG

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Free Delivery Within A 60 Mile Radius

Welcome to

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Where good quality, value for money and customer service is first and foremost.

With such brands as Cintique, Alston’s, Sealy and Healthbeds you can depend on and enjoy. reputable name for himself.

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

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Check out the Kodak Moments app

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Feel-good fitness Beach biking with Petra Time spent at the seaside not only provides great physical health benefits, but changes your mental outlook in the same way meditation does. Scientists have called this the blue space effect. Here's how to get yours...

You can unwind by gazing out to sea, beachcombing, walking or running, but have you ever biked it? If your tyres are fat and chunky enough, it's just like riding on a trail, only smoother on the sand. Challenge yourself over rocky bits, skirt the surf and go through small burns as they run into the sea, or stretch your legs on the wet sand – nothing will tone your bum and thighs like it.

You can use a standard mountain bike, but the wider the tyres the better. You don’t need any special adjustments, just be sure to thoroughly rinse and clean your gears and chain afterwards to get rid of the sand and salt. For the ultimate beach biking experience, try a fat bike. If you haven't seen one, it's basically a normal bike but with massive tyres up to 5" wide. You can set the tyre

pressure super low (like 6psi) to roll over sand, snow, or banks of loose pebbles. Whether you've got frame or fork suspension or not, the tyres make the ride naturally buoyant and bouncy. Like the first time you really tore it up on a bike when you were wee, the instant sense of fun will take you by surprise - I challenge you to ride one without a massive grin on your face!

Moray has some amazing beaches. And the majority of them are linked by coastal paths, allowing for a great day's exploring, almost completely off-road. Some access points to the smaller beaches may have steps or barriers you might need to lift your bike over. Longer beaches like Culbin or Roseisle let you pedal for miles and include Forestry trails through the dunes if

you want to vary your ride.

Remember to check the tide times before you go, and be aware of the terrain of the shoreline - you don't want to get caught out on any unusual features like sand bars or mud flats as the tide's coming in!

So give beach biking a go - for the most relaxing blue space exercise and an unparalleled sense of freedom.

Everyone I've talked to who has, wishes they'd discovered it sooner!

FANCY HAVING A GO? Tide times: www.tidetimes.org.uk Fatbike NE Scotland community group www.facebook.com/groups/116852921998864 Try a fatbike - contact Darren... email him on farkington@hotmail.co.uk

Lifestyle MAG

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hair STUDIO & beauty

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HIGHLAND TATTOO

Scotland the best T

he Highland Military Tattoo is a uniquely authentic experience, set inside the magnificent ramparts of Fort George, on the edge of the Moray Firth. This spectacular family event showcases impressive local and national acts, reflecting the very best of Scottish history, tradition and military expertise.

With a broad appeal and a worldwide audience, the Highland Tattoo attracts worldwide visitors, along with a loyal local following, returning to see new acts within an annually changing show.

The experience starts with an opportunity to sample Scottish food and drink in the catering village next door to the Tattoo arena, whilst, overhead, there will be an aerial display by an SE5A World War One biplane, to herald the imminent start of the show.

In Visit Scotland’s Year of History Heritage and Archaeology, the programme will celebrate the rich military heritage of Fort George, the Highlands and Moray, and the

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75th anniversary of the RAF Regiment commencing with a fly-past by RAF Typhoon jets, heralding the start to a packed evening’s entertainment.

An additional tribute to the anniversary year of the RAF; and a highlight of the 2017 event; shall be from the Queen’s Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force; the specialist unit charged with the safe-keeping of the Queen’s Colour for the RAF in the United Kingdom.

This is a ‘must-see’ event, offering locals and visitors, a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the heritage and culture of the Scottish Highlands, against the impressive backdrop of Fort George.

Tickets can be purchased via their website: www.highlandmilitarytattoo.co.uk, Ticketline, at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness and throughout Scotland’s TICs. @HMTFortGeorge

@HighlandMilitaryTattoo

High

Highland Military Tattoo 8-10 September 2017, Fort George, near Inverness

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

August

Do you have an event for September's edition?

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

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ART ABOYNE EXHIBITION The Victory Hall, Aboyne Art Aboyne 2017 Pop up Exhibition.

Open each day 10am until 6pm www.facebook.com/artaboyne

CHRISTINA LAWRIE - SCOTTISH Brodie Castle Lunchtime concert with pianist Christina Lawrie. Handel, Schubert and Rachmaninov.

Bookings: 01309 641371or brodiecastle@nts.org.uk.

HISTORIC WHEELS RALLY Start at Gordonstoun School Event organised in conjunction with Moray Motor Museum. See Historic Wheels website for details.

5 ABERLOUR HIGHLAND GAMES Alice Littler Park – Aberlour Packed programme of track and field events including: caber tossing, hammer throwing, running, Highland dancing, piping and fancy dress parade. All welcome!.

5 ADERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL Extended Festival, Elgin Town Hall Govani Musicisti Ossolani This Regional youth orchestra hails from the North of Italy and comes to AIYF as part of a UK tour!

Tickets available from Sound and Vision & Elgin Library. For more information visit aiyf.org

6-7 KEITH COUNTRY SHOW, Keith Jamie Squibb Freestyle extreme motorbike stunt team, amazing truck show, vintage vehicles and machinery, livestock and North East Pipe Bands. Food tent, children’s entertainment. www.keithshow.org.uk 64

11-13 RED ROX HIKEIT CHALLENGE St John’s Community Hall (Rothiemurchus) 8 mile up-hill charity hike finishing at the Funicular car park (ski centre).

Experience some of the most beautiful sights in the Cairngorms.

Open to all ages - children under 10 years come for free providing they are accompanied by an adult. Entry fee £30 with a minimum of £50 sponsorship per person for a charity of your choice.

12 THE ABERNETHY HIGHLAND GAMES Nethy Bridge 10am start. Piping and drumming 10.30 with massed pipes and drums in the grande parade and introduction of the Chieftain at 1pm.

12 FAMILY FUN DAY GAMES Grantown-on-Spey museum www.marineparklossie.org.uk or email actionmarinepark@live.co.uk

17 THE MIKADO Logie Steading, Forres 19.00 - 21.30pm Gilbert & Sullivan’s wry comic opera set in Japan. Recommended for adults and children aged 5+.

For more information visit www.logie.co.uk/steading/ whatson/outdoor-theatre.

19 ELGIN BID FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Elgin High Street From 10.00 - 17.00pm The Kilted Chef - Craig Wilson; Chef - John McCruden; Cake Designer - Janette MacPherson; plus Cook with the Chefs at Oakwood Cookery School. Craft stalls, activities and entertainment for all the family. www.facebook.com/elginbid

19 THE NAIRN ROYAL BRACKLA HIGHLAND GAMES The Links, Marine Road, Nairn Traditional Highland Games with activities and entertainment www.nairnhighlandgames.co.uk

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BRYAN MCADAMS TRIBUTE Deveronside Club, Banff Bryan McADAMS is a six piece Bryan Adams tribute band replicating the musicality and energy of Bryan Adam’s famous concerts.

DUFFTOWN HIGHLAND GAMES Dufftown Celebrating 125 years.

MOTORMANIA The Square, Grantown on Spey Annual event for vintage and classic car and motorbike lovers of all ages. www.grantown-motormania.co.uk

26 LOSSIEMOUTH FAMILY FUN DAY Marine Park and tennis courts Tennis, putting, target golf, bouncy castle, zorbing, stalls, BBQ, football fun. www.marineparklossie.org.uk

1-2 Sept SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE DISTILLED Elgin Town Hall See pages 22-25.

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BUCKIE CLASSIC CAR SHOW Linzee Gordon Park, Buckie Sun 11:00am. For more information visit buckieclassiccarshow.co.uk

THE 24-HOUR MUSICAL Buckie Fisherman’s Hall 19.00 - 22.30 “Join us as we take on the challenge to produce a musical in just 24 hours”. Assemble at 7.30pm on Friday evening. Doors open 7pm and show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £10, to book call 01542 488485.

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GRANTOWN HIGHLAND GAMES Heithfield Park, Grantown on Spey Running, cycling, heavy weights, solo piping, light field, Highland dance.

For more details 01479 873237 email: gosgames@yahoo.com.

ASWANLEY HORSE TRIALS AND OPEN DAY Glass, near Huntly Open day and British Eventing Horse Trials with trade stands, 4x4 driving, BBQ, bar - and lots of horses! www.aswanley.com

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Lifestyle MAG

3 EARTH TIME SUMMER FESTIVAL Duffus Estate, by Elgin 14.00 - 18.00 BBQ, live music, face painting, tea/ coffee tent, crafts and much more....

Entry £5 per person, Under 10s free. www.earthtime.co.uk

9-17 NEOS Various locations throughout North East Featuring an amazing 269 artists, makers and designers. A wide range of work will be on show from painting to printmaking, textiles, ceramics, photography and many more.

Opening doors to creativity in the north east of scotland Visit www.northeastopenstudios. co.uk/neos-2017 65

COMPETITIONS

Closing date for all competitions - 4th September email: competitions@mms-publishing.scot

WIN, WIN, WIN...

We have some fantastic giveaways this month from an archery session for six hosted by The Loft, Forres to a Computer Health Check donated

by Reboot. Seven Stills in Dufftown is offering a Balvenie and cheese experience while The Bank in Huntly invite you and a friend to lunch.

Distilled 2017 has given Lifestyle a pair of tickets and offers a session of your choice and Speyside Cooperage is giving away two sets of two tickets to a VIP tour. And don't forget to gather your ice cream trail codes from each of our nine venues (see p26).

Archery for six: ARCHJULY Computer Health Check: COMPCHK Seven Stills: BALVENIECHSE The Bank lunch: BANKLUN Distilled tickets: DISTIL2017 Cooperage: VIPSPEYSIDE 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!

Congratulations to all of our June winners. We always receive hundreds of responses and are overwhelmed by your letters and emails... but keep ‘em coming. Who knows, next month it could be you!

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FREE TICKETS FOR 2!

Felix visits Dublin So many places to go and so many things to see, its a huge world out there for a small bird like me. A starling I came across in my travels told me about a magical place called Dublin. My tired wings took me to a huge group of people, more than I’ve ever seen, they were all singing along to such loud music. I sat up high over the stage and watched a band called Guns and Roses. I took a shine to one member who had hair as wild as my feathers, I felt such joy to know I’m not the only unusual one here!

June competition winners...

The Loft - 2 Nights Glamping: Frances McInnes - Keith 1629 - Carvery Lunch for two: Donna Coull - Buckie Christies - Compact Garden Hose: Adele Robertson - Elgin Speyside Wardrobes - Colour Conultation: Patricia MacPherson - Dufftown Sundancer - Dinner for four: Lisa Miele, Forres Piping @ Forres - Benromach Single Malt: R Taylor - Buckie

S

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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FINNIE

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finnies.co.uk

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VISUAL

9 carat rose gold glitter earrings

£250

9 carat rose gold glitter pendant

£200

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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