Lifestyle Moray Magazine - June July 2022

GAMES & SHOWS

It has been a very long time for all the shows and games committees to keep up the momentum and enthusiasm after being unable to bring us an event for the last two years.

It would seem that some have not survived, so all praise goes to those that are still here and have pulled together some amazing events for us to visit over the next few months.

There is a tremendous amount of work that goes on for many months behind the scenes to bring you these events. I know you have all missed them so please, come rain or shine, show them your support. There’s a great day out at each and everyone of these events, all brought together, in the main, by volunteers. If you think you could help any of them out before, during, or after this year’s shows then I’m sure they would be delighted to hear from you.

Have a great summer, check out the facebook pages and see you all at a show!

From caber tossing to the hammer throw, long jump, high jump and more, the Forres Highland Games will provide you with a traditional Scottish experience.

Games Day commences with a Pipe Band Procession through the centre of the Moray town before the Games’ flag is raised above the arena.

During the day, visitors can also enjoy craft and artisan food stalls, fairground attractions, a beer tent and food outlets.

There is Highland dancing, solo piping and the massed pipe bands which are definitely not to be missed.

You may also get the chance to meet the Games’ Chieftain who will meet and greet visitors as he tours the arena.

A traditional Highland Games with fun for all the family.

Set in the stunning grounds of Forres’ Grant Park the Forres Highland Games offer a fun afternoon for all the family.

Unique to the Forres Games is the Message Bike Race where spectators can turn participant and race the field on an old traditional message bike in hope of lifting the winner’s trophy!

Visit www.forreshighlandgames.com for more info and to buy tickets in advance.

Forres Highland Games - Saturday July 2nd

Nairn Show - Saturday 30th July

New venue, new layout, same fun family day out! We are back celebrating the very best Nairnshire has to offer.

After two years at home, competition will be fierce in the show ring for our Supreme Jubilee champion of champions.

Come and see horses, cattle and sheep battle for the title. We have a host of local food vendors who will be serving fresh food all day.

Our trade stands will have everything from a pot plant to an oil tank, from a stool made of pine to a very large combine!

We have main ring entertainments all afternoon including the nail biting 'chase me charlie' show jumping jump off and one of the best vintage displays in the north.

This years marquee dance will be played by Dark Horse. Come along to Davisdon park for our first show in our new home, walking distance from Nairn town centre.

Turriff Show look forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors back to the 2022 Show Main Sponsor this year will be Bridgend Aggregates.

On Sunday, one of the highlights will be the Grand Parade of Horses, Ponies and Donkeys and on Monday you can witness one of the best displays of livestock in Scotland - the Grand Parade of Cattle and Clydesdale Horses.

Turriff are delighted to host the National Highland Cattle Show on the Monday.

There will be over 250 outdoor trade stands promoting all aspects of agriculture including arable, livestock, farm management and the latest farm machinery and indoor trade stands offering a variety of items in the Exhibition Marquee, Indoor Shopping Mall and Art and Craft Marquee. In the Food and Drink Marquee exhibitors from the North East of Scotland will be showing the finest produce complete with tasting sessions and cookery demonstrations from award winning Chef, Gary Maclean.

The main ringside entertainment on Sunday and Monday will be provided by the Vander Super Heroes Quad Space Wheel and there is also the welcome return on Sunday of the Pageant with an Open Theme.

The bandstand will be the mainstage for local talent to perform a mix of traditional, modern and original music.

Turriff Show - Sunday 31st July & Monday 1st August

The Black Isle Show - Thursday 4th August

Black Isle Show are delighted to be back and as the north’s biggest farming event, we cannot wait to welcome visitors to the showground in Muir of Ord.

It’s a fun-filled day for all the family and with thousands of animals from livestock to pets, a craft and food hall, Discovery Zone, beer tent and a funfair, there is something for everyone. And making a welcome return this year is the dog show.

This year also sees three breed society shows – Scottish National Simmental Show; Scottish Hereford Breeders Association Scottish National Show and the North Country Cheviot National Show.

Come along and see the sheep show, and a new added attraction this year The Hogg Show, where the stars of the show Will.I.Ham and Del Boy speak for themselves.

Don’t forget our show-jumping final on Wednesday night, sheep shearing competitions (both days), the ever popular colourful Flower Show, children’s races, trade stands of all kinds including our Food and Craft Hall. All the fun of the farm, Scotland’s biggest one day show – The Black Isle Show. See you there.

Aberlour Games - Saturday 6th August

The 77th Aberlour Strathspey Highland Games returns, after a two-year absence, to the picturesque Alice Littler Memorial Park on the banks of the River Spey. A natural amphitheatre provided by the old Aberlour Railway Station and the famous Speyside Way.

The day has a packed programme of track and field events including caber tossing, hammer throwing and field athletics with categories for all-comers, who can register on the day. There are highland dancing competitions, one of the most well supported junior piping and drumming competitions, stalls and other attractions for all the family.

Main parking areas will be situated at the Primary School and at Oggs Garage. On street parking is available anywhere where there are no restriction cones.

Keith Show - Sunday 7th & Monday 8th August

After two long years, Keith Show and its committee can’t wait to welcome everyone back. Planning is well under way for a great two days of showing, packed with something for everyone in the family, all this with the sun shining of course!

Grantown Show - Thursday 11th August

We welcome you back to our ‘family friendly show’ on Thursday 11th August, with entry from 8am - 5pm. Nestled in the beautiful Cairngorm National Park the show offers a variety of entertainments to satisfy every member of the family!

As always, a wide selection of animals will be on show for you to see, with classes in the cattle, sheep with new blue texel section and horse sections and of course the feather classes too.

The Champion of Champions in the cattle section is always a great crowd puller and that along with the Keith Show Champion will lead the grand parade of livestock.

Sheep shearing and sheep dog trialling will also keep the crowds entertained.

In the marquee tents there is also much to see, the Industrial competitions and flower show, craft stalls and trade stands to visit. New for 2022, larger bar area and music venue.

Massed pipe bands, truck show, vintage vehicles and so much more. With no price increases and free parking, head to Seafield Park for a great two days of entertainment.

Marquee Dance is on Saturday 6th August. Contact Show Office for tickets or book trade stands info@keithshow.org.uk

With Horse, Cattle, Sheep and Domestic Competitions culminating with the Grande Parade of winners followed by an afternoon of entertainment including Pageant of Decorated Vehicles, Vintage Vehicles, Pipe Band, Stock Judging, Pets Parades, Tug ‘O’ War, Children’s Races, Terrier Racing and much more on show.

Lots of Trade stands and variety of food outlets. Funfair for all the family. Adult tickets at £10, Concessions at £5, Under 16s at £2 and Free Parking, this is a very affordable family day out!

Our annual Marquee Dance is from 9pm - 1am on Friday 12th August with entertainment from the fabulous “rhythmnreel”. Tickets only £10.00.

Look out on our website to purchase tickets; www.grantownshow.com grantownshow@btinternet.com

day out for all the family Cattle,

and

starts 9am

events start from 1.30pm

featuring vintage

August

Sponsors of Keith Show

Looking

Photograph Courtesy Brian Cameron

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands

Agricultural shows are back – let’s support them

Across Scotland this summer, agricultural shows are making a welcome return to the rural calendar.

Over the past two years, the pandemic saw many of these events cancelled, reduced or moved online, so I am really looking forward to attending some of these in person.

It has been a challenging time for agricultural show organisers, and I would like to pay tribute to the hard-working teams, often volunteers, whose year-round efforts ensure these events are a success and enjoyed by locals and visitors from all walks of life. There is something for everyone.

These shows highlight the incredible range of high-quality ingredients and nutritious food and drink made in Scotland. They are also a platform for the industry to demonstrate the leading role it is playing in helping us achieve our Net Zero ambitions by producing our food in an increasingly environmentally sustainable way.

For equipment manufacturers and service providers, these occasions are also great opportunities to engage with their key customer base and generate sales.

With an increasing interest in how our food is produced, transported and prepared – from farm gate to plate – agricultural shows are a fantastic way for consumers to learn more about farming and engage with industry leaders in person.

For many, the flagship agricultural event each year is the Royal Highland Show, which celebrates its bicentenary in 2022 with a packed programme of events and displays.

The Royal Highland Show has an international reach and reputation. This year, funding from the Scottish Government of £200,000 will extend that reach by supporting the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland to use digital technology to stream parts of the show to audiences at home and abroad.

I am keen to see how this technology is deployed and explore how it can be used to showcase Scotland on the global stage in other ways.

Agricultural shows are a tradition that stretches across generations and are eagerly anticipated, but they can only continue if they are supported, and I would encourage people to go along and enjoy one if they can.

Hannelie & Chane are a mother and daughter team handmaking all the products for Lilypips Pet Gear. Believing there is nothing truer than the love of a pet, they strive to create exclusive, comfortable pet accessories to ensure your pets comfort and make them stand out from the crowd.

The range includes martingale collars, standard collars, leads, bandanas, bowties, harnesses, seatbelt restraints, poopbags, water-resistant coats and fleece jerseys.

availability of each

ensures a more bespoke

Speyfest – the much-loved Moray folk festival, are delighted they are finally able to celebrate 25 years after the disappointment of delays due to Covid.

It is with very mixed emotions as it is with great sadness that their founder, long-term Chairman and of course dearest friend James Alexander will not be with them for this milestone occasion.

James passed away in May after a long illness that he fought so bravely. He will be sorely missed but he leaves an amazing legacy as a talented musician and teacher.

The organisers are planning a fitting tribute to him and his incredible musical legacy as part of the 25th anniversary event. The festival closing day will see some of James’ closest musical colleagues gather, including Charlie McKerron, Douglas Lawrence, Paul Anderson and Gregor Borland, to share some of the tunes they played together over the years. The festival will be hosted in the event’s pop-up Tented Village by the picturesque banks of the River Spey, Speyfest will transform Fochabers into a haven of music and culture between 22nd - 24th July.

Thousands are expected to flock to the Fochabers festival as it welcomes a host of Scottish talent and marks a quarter of a century showcasing the very best in traditional and Celtic music.

Headliners include contemporary bagpiping sensation Red Hot Chilli Pipers and multiaward-winning Scottish outfit Skerryvore, who will take to the Speyfest stage for the 25th anniversary celebrations.

Audiences will also be able to catch Highland folk favourites Elephant Sessions and enjoy the exquisitely rugged yet refined sounds of the mighty RURA, alongside performances from traditional music duo Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, esteemed fiddler Duncan Chisholm and Anna Massie & Mairearad Green.

The festival will also welcome Celtic pop act Dougal's Jumper, upbeat contemporary trad band Tìr-Mòr, ceilidh band Makarakit and Moray seven-piece The Forty Elephants, local talent Colin Campbell & Friends, Speyside trio Kilderkin, north-east musicians and tutors Don & Emma Holdernesse, Elgin rock artist Danny

Mortimer and exciting Edinburgh folk-pop-rock group Chameleon Lady

Speyfest will also be back providing a fantastic platform for up-andcoming musicians from Moray and beyond to showcase their talents, welcoming Milne’s High School Fiddlers to the bill for 2022. Traditional music and singing workshops will also engage and inspire youngsters and adults alike throughout the weekend.

The Speyfest Young Entertainer of the Year competition returns, with youngsters involved in all forms of Celtic entertainment, from singing and instrumental music to poetry and comedy, invited to apply. Entries are open now and the winner will get a coveted spot on the Speyfest 2022 line up.

Alongside the lively mix of concerts, ceilidhs and stomps taking place across the event’s Bothy Stage and Whisky Stage, the final day will see the event’s non-denominational Celtic Kirk Service and Speyfest Family Sunday take place. Speyfest stalwart Chris Wiles will get the crowd going once again when he returns as host and to close out the weekend, BBC Radio Scotland Travelling Folk broadcaster Bruce MacGregor will take on the MC mantle for much of Sunday.

Local producers and suppliers will also be showcased at Speyfest, with a bustling craft fair and a vibrant food and drink fair including tastings on offer.

Speyfest Association Vice-Chair Ashleigh Macgregor said: “We are so looking forward to welcoming faces old and new to our beloved festival as we mark an incredible 25-year milestone within the Moray community. This year’s festival is made all the more poignant

by the passing of our dear friend and founder James Alexander and we have every intention of doing him proud with this year’s milestone event.

“We will be showcasing the very best in traditional and Celtic music and giving keen young musicians a valuable opportunity to meet and learn from the best known musicians on the scene, while injecting economic opportunities into the local community.

“Thank you to everyone who snapped up an early bird ticket and to everyone planning on joining us across the weekend this July, it’s going to be a really special weekend. We would also like to extend our gratitude to all of our sponsors and supporters who make the festival possible.”

First held in 1995, Speyfest has grown from a local event with one small tent holding around 300 people, to a 1500-capacity festival and much-loved jewel in the traditional music calendar in the north-east. You don’t want to miss it!

General tickets for Speyfest 2022 are on sale at www.speyfest.com.

Wedding

DOGS WELCOME

“A Walk on the Wild Side”

Lynda Luck is a realist painter and works from her studio at home in Rothes.

Her life as an artist began at the age of sixteen, when she had her first solo exhibition receiving the accolade of an award from the Royal Academy.

Buoyed by this experience, Lynda gained a placement at Maidstone College of Art and Design in Kent and studied for five years and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Art. A college of some notoriety whose teaching alumni include David Hockney and Quentin Blake.

Her career has encompassed many spheres from graphic design to mural painting and her greatest passion, teaching.

After relocating to the Northeast of Scotland in the 1980’s Lynda’s name became a feature in Exhibitions and Galleries throughout the North East and beyond. Her work also accompanies many private collections in the UK, Europe and North America.

Lynda enjoys working on commissions as well as working on her own ever evolving projects.

The camera has become the new “handbag” over the years and always at the ready with the anticipation of a new view for a possible artwork, whether a morning sunrise or an evening sunset, lochs, mountains castles or wildlife.

She is always looking out for that special new view, during “wee runnies” in the car with her husband in the driver’s seat. Such commands of “Stop”, “Go Back a bit “, “Too far” are patiently adhered

to! These trips are very enjoyable most of the time, except for the emergency stops of course!

Her desire to portray her subjects in stunning and sometimes intense detail emphasises her close relationship with nature. Since the start of the pandemic and feeling confined and a little depressed, walking in the great outdoors gave her a new- found inspiration.

Her works created during this time encompass some of the wildlife, landmarks and spectacular scenery that we are so fortunate to experience here in Scotland and forms her latest exhibition “A Walk on the Wild Side” in Elgin Library Gallery, June 2022.

Lynda hopes you will enjoy your journey through her Exhibition. www.lyndaluck.create.net

ELGIN LIBRARY GALLERY ELGIN, MORAY

OFFERING THE LARGEST SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT FASHION BRANDS IN THE NORTH EAST

On

Seafest is back and will be in full swing from the 6th to the 14th August with a packed programme of events, there is something for every member of the family.

The marquee will be back at Station Park and the committee have worked hard to bring a fantastic programme for all the community to enjoy after a hard three years of the pandemic.

Various competitions will be taking place throughout Seafest week. Keep a look out for the programme and check on Facebook for more details.

Seafest kicks off on Saturday 6th August with a mini fun day from 10am at Marine Park including Tennis tasters and the Guides are hosting a soup and sweet in the Guide hut.

Saturday evening starts at 7:30pm with a BBQ dance in the marquee. On arrival you will receive a welcome drink to toast the new East Bridge and you will be entertained by local band Tir-Mor.

Sunday the 7th is Quiz night in the marquee, this is always a popular event with both local and visitor teams participating.

The marquee will be full of laughter, stories and song for the teddy bear picnic on Monday 8th at 10:30am. They are looking forward to welcoming all the wee ones and their teddies.

On Monday afternoon, the Critter Keeper will return to Seafest by popular demand, with two shows. David and his critters have always proved to be very popular with the children.

Go along and enjoy a buttery, cup of coffee or tea and a chat with friends on Tuesday 9th as the coffee morning and show of old photographs returns. There is to be a surprise competition planned, called Lossie Fowk Past & Present which we’re sure will be enjoyed by local fowk.

It’s time to look out your buckets and spades as the ever popular sandcastle competition will take place on the west beach at 1:30pm, start practicing now when you get the chance.

In the evening, at Station Park pop along to the pet show, another popular event and that will be followed by a family night in the marquee with Paul T.

The children will be busy, busy in the marquee on Wednesday 10th with Arts and Crafts in the morning and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) workshop in the afternoon.

Feeling lucky? There will be Tombola for everyone in the evening with great prizes and refreshments. Doors open 6:30 eyes down 7:30.

Everyone seems to love an afternoon tea, it was a great thing during lockdown to receive a delivery of an afternoon tea. Now you can go out and enjoy one in person with a few friends. An old-fashioned style afternoon tea with cake stands and china cups is on Thursday 11th and in the evening you can further indulge with some cocktails and canapes with Calum at 7:30pm. This is to be followed by music, more cocktails and a gin bar.

On Friday morning after all that indulging, it’s time for some relaxation. You can join Amy Claire for yoga in the marquee.

Saturday is Seafest Summer Fayre and it will be full of fun for all the family. Craft, Food, Charity stalls, Tea Tent, Children’s entertainment, rides and music.

A licensed bar area with Avva Gin, Windswept and our very own Seafest Bar will also be available. Budding artists will be painting the new East Beach Bridge with the help of Moray Art Centre.

Finally Seafest culminates with the Songs of Praise on Sunday 14th when all the churches come together in the marquee at 3pm.

As you can see there is plenty to keep you entertained so show your appreciation of all the hard work, pop along, support some of these fabulous events and most of all have a great time!

Ukraine Forever Tartan

What inspired Great Scot to design the Ukraine Forever Tartan? When we watched the horrors unfolding in Ukraine, we felt helpless and extremely frustrated. We have a strong online community of over 150k who are very engaged with and loyal to our brand, so we asked them how we should help because we wanted to do more than make a one-off cash donation. They begged us to do what we are known for which is designing unique tartans and making them into exceptional clothing. They suggested that all the profits go to the DEC’s Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. So, we got to work right away. We worked through the night, and by the morning, the Ukraine Forever tartan was born. Our community loved what we created and so we began to dye, weave, cut and sew. We could tell even in the early stages that this tartan was a powerful force for good.

Are you surprised by so much international enthusiasm? Yes, we are surprised, but we are deeply grateful for all the kind words and support. We have 2 Ukrainian refugees with us now and despite being heartbroken to have to leave their brother, father and husband in Kharkiv to fight, each day they see all the kind messages from people desperate to wear this tartan and for this project. Supporters from countries around the world have come ‘home’ for this tartan. A real highlight also was being thanked by the Ministry of Defence in Ukraine. It was encouraging too to hear from well-known international politicians, celebrities and royals. So many have placed orders for our

jackets, kilts, scarves, skirts, etc. Those with Scottish heritage or association know the power of a strong, rebellious tartan. It speaks silently but bravely about heritage and allegiances - in every language!

We can see that you’re passionate about tartan! I am! Tartan has always been an emotive fabric. It courts nostalgia, empowers identity and is a source of great pride and joy to millions of people. Tartan unites family, friends and strangers from all over the world. Pride and passion go hand in hand with a powerful tartan.

In your opinion, what does this outpouring of solidarity from our society say? Scotland’s people are sovereign, and we are fiercely protective and proud of our nation and our culture. In the same way, Ukraine chooses to fight against losing her borders and her national identity. This tartan, which is a 50/50 fusion of the colours of both the Saltire flag of Scotland and the flag of Ukraine, simply and effectively symbolises our shared values. We are saying

loudly to Ukraine, “the Scots are with you and Ukraine will be forever’’ and it’s showing the world that the Scots champion democracy and reject oppression.

And how do you respond to people who criticize your initiative? Weaving or wearing tartan for any reason can attract criticism but only from those who don’t understand its history and its role in the community, and societies around the globe. This particular tartan is being woven to traditional standards of excellence by highly skilled local people living in the heart of a rural local Scottish community. It’s super for the local economy. It is raising lots of money for an excellent cause and sending a strong welcome message to those fleeing Ukraine for the safety of Scotland. We are also asked “but what about Yemen or Syria” wars and of course, if there was enough support to help us finance a fundraiser for any worthy cause, we would be honoured to do tartan for those too and we would do it with the same passion as this one.

How many mills weave this tartan? We have partnered with every interested mill within the British Isles that has a long-standing reputation for exceptional skill and quality. At the moment five mills are weaving and each one of those is doing a different weight or process. From there, the finished tartan comes to us where our highly skilled kilt-makers, tailors and seamstresses do their magic.

What are the design elements of this tartan? Using the design of a bold and memorable sett, the flag colours belonging to Scotland’s saltire and Ukraine combine to make a bold, bright, and strong tartan. We make light weight and medium weight fine wool for tailored

styles, kilts and homewares while we also make a beautiful merino lambswool which we craft into capes, shawls, ponchos and scarves. A big part of our tartan collection is a non-wool vegan weight so this is also available now in the Ukraine Forever Tartan and it’s extremely popular. People can’t quite believe the quality of an authentic tartan - so many poor imitations exist so when they touch the real thing, the reaction is always delight and surprise. I’m sure it’s because passion and history run through every thread. Engaging with authentic tartan is a beautiful, unforgettable experience.

Who is wearing this tartan? We have very high profile customers but our most delightful clients are the grandmothers who might buy a metre of the cloth to make an item for their new grandchild or a fashion student who wants to make a political statement for his college runway show. We also have several museums in various countries that wish us to make items for their mannequins and schools that purchase them for educational reasons. The Scottish government is gifting items to visiting dignitaries and the Scottish Football Association has embraced it for the upcoming Men’s World Cup Qualifier Scotland v Ukraine. We have and will gift the tartan to the Dnipro Kids, Ukrainian Soldiers, various Scottish Doctors who are in Ukraine at the moment, and of course President Zelensky now has a kilt - I just have to get it on him!

How much of the tartan have you already woven? We now have woven approximately 6 milesthat’s a long road of cloth. If the demand is there we will certainly make more. It’s real labour of love.

How can people support this project? They can visit the website to learn more about the project at www.greatscotscotland.com

ROSIE BARRON IS THE TIDY COO

Rosie Barron is The Tidy Coo, a Professional Organiser. A Master KonMari Consultant and member of APDO (the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers). She helps overwhelmed people to create space and peace in their homes and lives. Rosie lives in Aberdeenshire with her husband, four Home Educated children, eight ponies, six dogs, three cats, two bunnies, chickens, ducks and fish which all bring joy.

Organising a home move

Moving home can be a super stressful time, but there are some steps that you can take to make it easier. I’ve put together this little guide for you.

Of course, my first piece of advice is going to be (you guessed it!) to DECLUTTER. If you are moving home, I really urge you to declutter beforeyou move as it will make all the difference. If you are considering moving home in the near future, do start the decluttering process as much as

6 months before your planned move. If you are selling rather than moving out of a rental, this is even more important as a decluttered (and staged) home often sells faster and for more money than one that hasn’t been. One of my 12 Weeks To Tidy participants on my most recent course joined in order to declutter for a move and has been raving about what a difference it has made, not just to the photos, but because it is so much easier to keep clean and tidy for viewings too.

Start by considering what you would like your life to look like in your new home. Are you moving into a bigger home, or downsizing? Vision is very important for both, but particularly if you are downsizing as it can be hard to let go of things if you don’t have a strong vision.

Then work through your belongings – if you are unsure where to start, look through previous copies of Lifestyle for my

Images: Laura Walter Photography

advice, or hop over to my website where I have a wealth of resources.

I am usually totally anti using storage units, but I do make an exception when decluttering for a move. On our last move we were selling our cottage in Berkshire and moving up to Aberdeenshire, and knowing how important staging can be, before we even put our home on the market, I had started to pack away some things that I knew that we could do without for a few months, particularly off-season clothing. Rather than stashing these in the shed (which was our only storage space as we lacked a loft or garage), I rented a storage unit. When the time came for us to move (having sold the decluttered and staged cottage quickly), we were able to put these boxes directly on the moving truck.

Once you know when and where you are moving, it’s time to hit the checklist!

6 weeks before the move

Make a moving folder with all the details in it that you need.

Download an app such as Trello to get organised. You can share tasks to be done with other people involved.

Book a moving company or van if you are using one. Consider if there are any parking restrictions to your property that you need to organise.

If you haven’t already, DECLUTTER NOW! Sell and donate anything that you’re not taking.

3-4 weeks before the move

Collect Packing Supplies.

Menu Plan so that you are eating up the food in your Fridge and Freezer.

Organise care for Pets/Children for the day of the move.

Contact Utility companies with the change of address.

Contact Post Office for forwarding.

Organise cleaning if appropriate.

Packing

Start packing up anything that you don’t need.

Make sure that boxes are well taped.

Use the right size boxes for the job – you don’t want empty spaces in the boxes, but equally, they need to be light enough to be carried. (Often people have spares that they are happy to give away, do check on your local Social Media.)

Clearly label box for the room that it is going into.

Clothes can be left in drawers and wrapped in place. Depending on the weight, they may be able to be left in the shell.

Clothes can be left on hangers – wrap them together before taking them down.

Take pictures if appropriate. Meter readings. Turn lights off. Drop keys off. New Home Meter readings. Unpack Kettle!

if you can before unpacking the van. Put together and make up the beds first!

you

notify of

of

your

(including pets, car and travel

Unpacking

Day Before

Get those last bits packed up and pack a

for yourself.

TV and other

so that they are cold.

Moving Day!

Ideally you want all the packing to be done before moving day, so that on the day, all you have to do is to load the van and go. If you can get the van pre-loaded the day before, so much the better!

On your way out Clean if you haven’t hired cleaners to come in.

I like to unpack all the boxes as soon as possible (I’m a bit of an unpacking Ninja) as it then forces me to put things away. One thing I often find in my clients’ homes is packed boxes from previous moves, so I always think it’s a good idea to get rid of the boxes as soon as possible.

Take o from Inverness, get that feeling, fly it home.

Departing

Benefits of flying from Inverness Airport

With the increase in flights departing and arriving at Inverness Airport, it makes the world a smaller place for those living in the Scottish Highlands.

A larger array of destinations to fly to and from Inverness Airport allows travellers to connect easier with long and short-haul flights across the world.

These new connections allow passengers to connect with the rest of the world through one major hub, passengers can avoid the hassle and

expense of multiple checkins. For example, why not fly from Inverness to Australia, through London and Dubai without the hassle of needing to check your bags in at every stop. In addition, direct flights are usually faster and more convenient than indirect flights, making them ideal for business or leisure travel.

The recent expansion of regional airports has been a welcome development for many holidaymakers. Not only do these new connections mean that holiday goers from the Highlands can avoid using the dreaded A9 to get to larger airports, but they also allow for

much more relaxed travelling. Quicker and easier check-ins are a major benefit of regional airports, as they can be a lengthy and stressful process in larger volume airports. This means you can enjoy a smooth check-in, security and sit back and relax with a refreshing pint in minutes. You can also get ready for your flight in plenty of time and enjoy the amenities, such as shops, and bars within the airport. These benefits have led to Inverness Airport being awarded by Europe, the best airport with just under 2 million passengers per year. They have been awarded with the Airport Service Quality Award (ASQ) and was voted for by 370,000 travellers across the globe.

It’s no secret that the Scottish Highlands are one of the most beautiful places in the world. With their rolling hills, lochs, and castles, they’re the perfect place to get away from it all. And now, with the expansion of Inverness Airport, more and more people are able to enjoy everything the highlands have to offer. The airport has made it easier for tourists to visit the area, and as a result, local businesses have seen a boom in sales.

From hotels to restaurants to shops, everyone is benefitting from the influx of visitors. And it’s not just businesses that are benefitting - the whole community is seeing the positive effects of tourism. With more people visiting the highlands, there’s more money being injected into the local economy, and that means more jobs and opportunities for people in the area. So whether you’re looking for a stunning landscape or a thriving community, the highlands have something to offer everyone.

In conclusion, the benefits of flying from Inverness Airport are numerous. From the increased convenience and decreased stress of quicker check-ins, to the economic benefits for the local community, there are plenty of reasons to choose Inverness Airport when planning your next trip.

No matter where you choose to go, Inverness Airport puts you in the heart of all the action.

FIND US AT: 51 HIGH ST, ELGIN, IV30 1EE

www.murraytravel.co.uk or head to @themurraytravel on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Now is the time to fly from Inverness

There has never been a better time to fly from Inverness Airport and discover a world of exciting adventures.

As the world begins to reopen, now is the time to plan your next journey and catch up on everything you’ve been missing. Flights from the airport will connect you with stunning beaches, vibrant cities, adrenaline-fuelled activities, divine food and drink, and so much more.

With flights departing daily from KLM, Loganair, easyJet and British Airways – and regular connections with regional airports across the Highlands – it’s never been easier to travel from the north of Scotland to your favourite destinations.

Travel the UK and explore historic cities, seaside paradises and bustling metropolises. Why not take a footballing pilgrimage to Manchester, or relax on stunning Cornish beaches in Newquay? Maybe you’d prefer to sun yourself on the island utopia of Majorca or take in the majestic Giant’s Causeway on a trip to Belfast?

For those wishing to travel further afield, regular connections to Dublin – home of Guinness, James Joyce and the National Leprechaun Museum – and the beautiful canal-lined city of Amsterdam open up a host of European opportunities.

And with daily flights to major international hubs like London and Amsterdam, it’s also never been easier to go on to explore the wider world. Hassle-free connecting flights take all the stress out of your onward travel plans, giving you easy access to North and South America, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, Asia and beyond.

Whatever your destination – from UK staycations to globetrotting adventures, relaxation on beaches to getting to know vibrant cities – your next trip is just a short flight away with Inverness Airport.

Discover more about flights and destinations, convenient parking, accessible facilities, regular buses and reliable taxis at: www.invernessairport.co.uk

Ullapool Hill Circuit

Tracy undertakes lovely walks all over our beautiful country and we are delighted she has agreed to provide Lifestyle readers with the inside knowledge that she has gleaned from her many adventures.

I hope you enjoy Tracy’s walks? Please do let us know and send us some photos. Follow Tracy goes outside on Facebook (www.facebook.com/tracygoesoutside)

Ihave ventured a wee bit further afield for a change, to Ullapool which we visit on a regular basis. Ullapool is on the North Coast 500 route and is one of the larger towns in North West Scotland with a busy ferry port and harbour. There is a great selection of places to eat and stay. Overlooking Ullapool is a hill called Cnoc na Croiche also known as Ullapool Hill which is a short but steep climb with very rewarding views.

Distance: 2.25 miles

Time: 1hr Level: Easy with some steep parts. Terrain: Mix of pavements, well walked paths and uneven paths.

Access: Arrive by car, parking is available in the long stay car park beside Tesco IV26 2XB. There is a regular stagecoach bus from Inverness.

I am starting my route from the harbour on Shore Street in the centre of Ullapool. Cross the road at the boat trip and bike hire cabins and head up Quay Street past the Fish and Chip shop, try and resist the smell that is guaranteed to make you hungry. Take the third road on the right called Market Street and follow it to the end, before turning left and heading up Mill Road.

On your right, just after you have passed Highland Stoneware and Broom Court, you will see a gate and a signpost for Ullapool Hill. Go through the gate and you will start the short steep climb, but there are plenty of benches to stop and catch your breath. You will pass a path to your right, ignore it, but not long after you will take a turn to the left and you will head further up the hill. You will come to a bench with a path on the left and one behind, take the path behind the bench. The path becomes rougher so watch your step. You will see a pile of stones to the right but keep going along the path till you reach a slightly overgrown viewpoint stone, although the views are great here they are better further along the route.

Take the path on the left just beside the viewpoint, this will take you to the best view. Just past the pile of stones that is to your left, the path will become rougher again and you will need to watch your step to get you down to the bench, where in my opinion you get the best views of Ullapool and Lochbroom.

If it isn’t windy this is also a great spot to stop for a snack and wee rest before you head back down the hill. If you time it right with the ferry times, you may see it coming in or leaving, or if you are really lucky, you may even see one of the cruise ships that visit Ullapool.

You will see a rough path to the right, take it and it very soon returns you to the bench before the viewpoint. Take a left here and head back down the path. Keep going back down the track, a little after the left turn in the path you will see an opening that takes you down to a wooden footbridge. Once over the footbridge you carry on descending till houses come into view and you come to a gate. Once through the gate follow the road and you will quickly find yourself at the back of The Royal Hotel on Shore Street. I would recommend crossing the road here to admire the boats in the harbour. It is a great chance to get some more lovely photos before returning to your starting point and time for a well-earned Fish and Chips.

TEA PARTY

We live in a world that is dominated by technology. The faster we can make things happen, the better –and we continue to demand faster and faster communications. We have our own modern hieroglyphics – emojis – that take the place of words and sentences. Why bother to say that you are happy or excited, when a smiling little yellow face can do the job for you? Conversation, such as our grandparents would have known, is fast becoming a dying art. Almost completely gone are the days of sitting round a tea table with family and friends, discussing any manner of topics, exchanging news and - yes – gossip, keeping tabs on the community’s events and maintaining the social links.

I say almost, as Derek and Angela McGillivray have recently started a unique way in which to bring people together. They have introduced tea parties at their rooms in Mayne Road, Elgin. But these are no ordinary tea parties but tea parties where you have ‘proper’ tea (tea bags are a no-no) and you get to read the leaves left in the cup.

We are harking back here to a practice that started in the 17th century when tea was

introduced into Europe from China. Popularity grew during the 1800s as a means of telling one’s fortune, using the symbols and patterns formed by the residue of tea. Today, tea leaf reading is popular in Ireland, Scotland, Canada and the United States but is not confined solely to these areas.

What could be more conducive to spontaneous conversation than sitting round a table, laden with cakes and fancies of all description, washed down with copious cups of delicious tea and then having your fortune told via the patterns and symbols left in your cup? You may not know most of the other people at the table when you arrive but, by the end of the afternoon, you will have exchanged stories, anecdotes and jokes with them; you will have eaten well and relaxed completely. No mobile phones, no interruptions, just good oldfashioned conversation in convivial surroundings. Can‘t be bettered.

For more information on Derek and Angela’s tea parties please contact: angela@angelaholistics.com Telephone 07967 232118

your images of

wonderful area!

Moray event celebrates 999 services

Emergency heroes will be honoured at the second Moray Blue Light Festival on Saturday, 13th August at UHI Moray. The valuable role played by the police, fire, RNLI, RAF, coastguard services and many more will be highlighted during the festival from 12pm –3pm.

The event was initially held in 2019 and organised by students on UHI Moray’s Events Management Course. A second event was planned for March 2020 but sadly, like so many other events that year, it was cancelled due to the global coronavirus pandemic. The event was rescheduled a couple of times, but the pandemic meant it wasn’t possible to run it until now. The timing is right to host the event and celebrate the amazing work our emergency services do on a day-today basis and especially over the last couple of years.

This time the event is being run by UHI Moray itself, however the two Events Management students who had organised the previous event and have now passed their degrees and left the University, are still involved.

‘Celebrating the services, educating the public’ is the theme of the afternoon. “This is a chance to meet your real-life heroes and see what they do on a daily basis.” said a spokesperson for the event. “We are hoping to raise awareness of the services and also bring the local community together to celebrate them.”

In attendance will be Fire Scotland, HM Coastguard, Royal National Lifeboat Institution,

Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, Moray Inshore Rescue, Police Safety Camera Scotland, North East Rider Volunteers, Scottish Charity Air Ambulance and 2622 Squadron from RAF Lossiemouth. The Morayvia aeronautical heritage centre team will also be there, along with a range of food vendors and children’s rides. “2019’s event was very successful, with around 1000 people attending on

the day.” said the spokesperson.

“Sirens were ringing around the carpark as youngsters were allowed experience inside of the emergency vehicles

– including being locked in the back of a police van.”

The services who appeared in 2019 are eager to return and get involved with the public again.

A previous exhibitor, North East Rider volunteer, Patrick Costello, said “The event was amazing. I don’t think we expected this amount of interest.” He explained the opportunity for the awareness of the group was invaluable.

The event will also host CPR demonstrations, storytelling time and other similar mini-events with food and drink vendors on hand to keep you satisfied. A range of businesses will also be there to promote their products and there is a chance to have your face-painted and have a go on some mini rides. Collection buckets will be about so please support these vital services.

UHI Moray and their former students decided to run the Moray Blue Light Festival again,

hopefully making it bigger and better in 2022. This would not be possible without the support of local businesses who have agreed to sponsor the second festival. “We would like to thank our sponsors Springfield Properties, Johnston’s of Elgin, and of course, Lifestyle Magazine, for helping to make this event happen.”

For more information and updates, search for Moray Blue Light Festival on Facebook or email moraybluelight@gmail.com.

Big Blue Mobile Pantry

The Big Blue Mobile Pantry has been travelling around the rural communities of Moray since the 11th April and I think it is fair to say it has been a resounding success.

The bus has 28 stops throughout Moray and visits each place on a fortnightly basis.

In only one month there have been 380 visits to the pantry and 1.5 tons of groceries have been delivered to rural communities.

The pantry is open to everyone. When you first visit, you are asked to become a member and that membership is free. Each time you visit you pay £2-50 which allows you up to ten items from a selection of products which are colour coded, Proteins, Dairy, Pasta Grains and Bread, Fruit and Veg and Miscellaneous. The chart on the wall indicates how many of each category is available on that visit. This changes according to the volume of stock in the pantry daily.

Two new pantries have also been opened in the Loft Youth Project in Keith and Forres Area Community Trust who are operating in Keith

on a Tuesday from 12 – 6pm and in Forres Town Hall every Saturday 10am -12 noon

These projects are all in association with Moray Food Plus. The Big Blue Pantry was funded by the Robertson Trust and The Big Lottery Improving Lives Fund. The Keith Pantry was funded by Edintore Community Wind farm and the Forres Pantry by Berry Burn Community Fund. The bus was able to be purchased and refurbished thanks to a donation from William Grant and Sons.

The pantries are all helping reduce food waste as the supplies mainly come from recovered surplus foods from suppliers such as Tesco, Co-op, Marks & Spencer, Baxters, FareShare and some local producers. As you will see on the side of the bus ‘Keeping quality surplus food in the food chain’ so by utilising the pantry you are helping reduce food waste in Moray.

Big Blue is also offering outreach activities in the areas they operate. They have carried out outdoor learning and bushcraft with primary schools, gentle exercise and pancake making with Moray BALL groups, wellbeing walks and family outdoor sessions.

The areas that are visited will be reviewed after three months, but with 300 members so far on the mobile pantry alone, I think it is definitely delivering a much appreciated service.

Birth bag essentials

By Sophia Hanson

What’s the most important thing you can pack in your birth bag? Is it a TENS machine? Aromatherapy oil? A hair tie? Iced water? Big pants?

Would you be surprised to know it’s none of the above?

In fact, even though I share a list of birth bag essentials with all my expectant mums, I also emphasise that the most important thing you can take into the birthing space is knowledge, a strong mindset, and an ability to relax deeply.

This might sound contradictory since a big part of hypnobirthing is about setting up a loving, soothing environment (fairy lights and hushed tones), but that’s because a peaceful setting supports you to feel safe which can lead to a more comfortable birth.

When you don’t feel safe or calm you become trapped in what’s known as the fear-tension-pain cycle; when you are scared your muscles tense which leads to less efficient and more painful contractions (and the cycle perpetuates).

What promotes feelings of calm and relaxation?

There is plenty of external paraphernalia you can use to help create a calming environment but what happens if you forget your birth bag or the one thing you were relying on goes missing?

The key to unlocking the best possible birth is within YOU. How you breathe, how you think, how you move will help stack the odds in your favour of a better birth. Curveballs happen,

unexpected medical issues might arise, and circumstances may go against you, and even if they do, doing your best to stay calm and work with it will be your greatest support.

How can you possibly stay calm when facing the unknown, experiencing intense sensations, and your body is doing something ‘other worldly’?

• Learn and practise breathing techniques in the weeks prior to labour.

• Visualise (the Olympic athletes do it!) birth going as smoothly as possible.

• Get informed. Create a birth plan because it helps you understand your options and what might need to happen at each stage.

• Flood your mind with positive stories of straightforward comfortable births (they exist).

• Learn why active labour (staying mobile) supports a better birth.

• Use your techniques from the first contraction; don’t wait for them to ‘ramp up’.

You can massively influence your birth for the better when you know how. Nobody can guarantee you your dream birth, and it’s not your fault if you don’t get it. You didn’t fail, but with the right support you can stack the odds firmly in your favour of a better birth; the essential ingredient is YOU.

07787 701 131 | E: Sophia@highlandhypnobirthing.co.uk

PHARMACY FIRST

Taste of Nairn, organised by Nairn Connects BID, took place in the coastal town over three days between 6-8th May.

It featured over 18 individual events including boozy brunches, foraging along the river, meet the brewer, appearances from characters from Charlie and the Chocolate factory and Alice in Wonderland and numerous restaurants created special menus and events.

Non-food retailers also got on board with many offering customer discounts over the course of the weekend.

Events were held in locations throughout the town and on Saturday and Sunday, Nairn Community and Arts Centre was the venue for an Artisan Market featuring stalls and food and drink demonstrations.

On Saturday, the World Tattie Scone Contest was held. Donna Cunningham beat off stiff competition from over 20 other contestants including Widow Twanky and Willy Wonka from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But it was her maple syrup and bacon tattie sone that impressed the judges, STV’s Nicola McAlley, Nairn BID manager Lucy Harding and Vicky Farquhar from Oakwood Cookery School.

Donna, a 55-year-old student from Elgin College UHI’s Hospitality and Tourism Academy said: “I am just delighted that everyone enjoyed them. I have been practicing. My son-in-law Luke will eat anything, so I was trying out different recipes on him. What was important in my recipe was the quality of the bacon. I used the finest smoked loin. I love pancakes with maple syrup and bacon so that was my inspiration.”

Elaine Sutherland, of Oakwood Cookery School who sponsored and organised the contest said: “It’s great to see the World Tattie Scone Contest back and with some very quirky entrants, but Donna really impressed the judges not just with the balance of flavours but with the texture and quality of her tatties scone.”

On Sunday, a new event for Taste of Nairn took place, the Showstopper Cake Contest. Amateur bakers were asked to create cakes with a Nairn theme.

Eleven cakes were presented for the competition sponsored by Lifestyle Magazine. However, it was Kristin Edward in the adult category and duo Molly Grant and Kayleigh Taylor (both eight-years-old) in the children’s category who took home their star baker aprons and other prizes, including Highland gift cards, which can be spent in over 30 outlets in Nairn.

Rhona Patterson editor of Lifestyle Magazine said: “The standard in both categories was amazing, in both design and quality, particularly in the kids’ category. Everyone should be very proud of themselves.”

Speaking about the event overall, Lucy Harding, Nairn BID manager said she was delighted with the turnout: “We have had a fabulous weekend not just at the Artisan Market but at other events across the town.

“For a second time of running this event, Nairn BID is very pleased with how it has gone. It is also our first big event

since Covid, but it was busy and Taste of Nairn seems to have brought people out and about into the town. The team has spoken to a number of people who attended and it was great to hear from locals, but also people who have travelled from other towns across the Highlands and Moray to enjoy what was on offer. It’s been a great success! “

Goodness where is the time going? The third magazine of 2022 already and it is packed full of things for you to do and places to go. Once again our lovely advertisers have done you proud and are offering some brilliant prizes.

Let’s start with the very talented Lynda Luck who is exhibiting in Elgin Library Gallery and is featured on Lifestyle’s front cover. You could be the proud owner of a Printed Canvas from Lynda’s exhibition, what an amazing prize.

We have lots of tickets up for grabs this time so if you fancy a hoolie at Speyfest or if it’s all the games and shows you want to visit throughout the summer months. I’m sure a few free tickets would help you out, so you know what to do.

COMPETITION CODES

LYN CANVAS

Printed Canvas from Lynda Luck

SPEYFEST TKTS Tickets for Speyfest

SHOW TCKTS

Pairs of tickets for each show. Please state if you have a preference

GAMES TCKTS

Pair of tickets for each games. Please state if you have a preference

SEAFEST TEA

Afternoon tea for two at Lossie Seafest on Thursday 11th August

UKRAINE SCARF

Ten scarves available for you to win.

Congratulations to our April/May winners.

We receive hundreds of responses and love your letters and emails... Keep ‘em coming. Who knows... It could be you next time.

Seafest are offering the lucky winner of their prize, an afternoon tea for two. I’m sure this will be as popular as ever.

I am sure you have all admired the Ukraine Forever Tartan by Great Scot and would be delighted to own a piece of your own, remember all profits from your purchases go to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Great Scot have very kindly donated ten scarves, so if you enter this competition, you could be one of the ten lucky winners.

Please remember to put your contact details on your e-mail or postcard and one postcard or e-mail is sufficient but please enter the relevant codes for the prize you are after. Sending multiple e-mails or writing the same code twenty times will not give you any more chances; you know who you are, lol!! It is only one entry per person per code. Thank you for all your cards and e-mails and lovely comments. I do enjoy reading them, sorry I don’t have time to reply to you all but be assured I appreciate every one.

Email competitions@lifestylemoray.scot with your name, address and contact number or send a postcard to: Lifestyle Magazine, 5 Green Lane, Newmill, Keith AB55 6NX

Remember your competition codes and please send multiple entries on one card.

Terms & conditions: All Lifestyle competition prizes are kindly donated by Lifestyle advertisers. There is no entry fee, one e-mail or postcard with the relevant codes is all that is necessary. Winners are chosen at random by a computer generated programme. There is no cash alternative available. Names of winners will be published in the following issue.

McPherson Voucher

Amanda Fraser Lamont Turriff

Town Planner Books Margaret McCulloch Grantown-on-Spey TMSA Tickets Meta Hird Keith Skerryvore Tickets Elaine Pearce Lhanbryde Garth Afternoon

Gail Gunter Forres Counselling Session Marie Cook Forres