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To discuss any of the above talk to your local agent or visit galbraithgroup.com for a full list of our services and contacts
Seven years ago, a certain Mr Colin Brown (MMS Almac) fulfilled a long-held ambition and, together with a small team of like-minded people including yours truly, launched a monthly glossy magazine, which was always to be free to the readers.
Time passes, things change, people move on. Covid turned our comfortable world upside down and we had to rethink. Ownership of the magazine had passed to me in 2018, the original team members had moved on and had been replaced by new faces, the lockdowns and economic uncertainty was ever present and I must admit that it was sometimes a struggle to keep my head above water and not to give in.
But I had not fully appreciated one fact – and that was the resilience of both readers and advertisers, who have stuck by me through thick and thin and without whom the magazine would cease to exist. There really are no words that can fully describe their loyalty and it is thanks to them that we continue with this little magazine (now bi-monthly), shining a light on all that is good in the North East and often highlighting subjects that some might find unsettling but need to be addressed.
We have tried since day one to bring you, the readers, articles that will interest, inspire and perhaps make you think along different lines. Our advertisers continue to showcase all that is available in this area and we know for a fact that this magazine reaches postcodes that are miles away from its North East home.
So as I raise my glass to the past seven years, toast the team who time after time produce a first class product, both in design and content, I send a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone who has supported Lifestyle. It has been an incredible seven years; there have been some tears admittedly but, overall, it has been seven years of immense, satisfying fun. I don’t doubt that there are seven more equally rewarding years ahead.
Once again, thank you everyone.
This is the original, biggest and the best Christmas event in the area.
Enjoy an authentic Victorian atmosphere in the wonderfully decorated castle with the sta dressed in Victorian costume. You will nd crafters in the rooms as you explore the castle.
Children can enjoy a visit to see Santa, who will have a present for every child.
Don’t forget to visit the award winning Laird’s Kitchen to enjoy delicious food and the very best home baking.
As the holiday season approaches, with its promises of shopping sprees, festive dining, and many parties, there's a heartfelt message that resonates more strongly than ever: keeping it local. This sentiment encourages us to shift our focus from big-box retailers and global conglomerates to the small businesses and artisans that make our communities unique and vibrant.
When it comes to gift shopping, choosing our local independent shops, boutiques, craft shops, and artisans not only adds a personal touch to your presents but also bolsters the local economy. These small businesses are often the lifeblood of our neighbourhoods, providing employment opportunities and fostering a sense of community. By supporting them, you help ensure that they can thrive and continue to contribute to the character of your area.
Dining locally during the holiday season is another wonderful way to immerse yourself in the spirit of the community. Explore cosy, family-owned restaurants that serve dishes with a touch of tradition and a dash of innovation. Not only will you enjoy delicious meals, but you'll also forge connections with local chefs and restaurateurs who pour their hearts into their culinary creations. And don't forget about the local food markets, which offer an abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients for your own holiday feasts.
Lastly, consider hosting or attending local parties and events. This could mean joining a locally organised bring a party to a party, supporting one or more of the many community initiatives, or attending local performances and exhibitions. These activities not only foster a sense of togetherness but also showcase the talent and creativity that can be found right in your own backyard.
Keeping it local during the holiday season not only enriches your own celebrations but also
strengthens the bonds within your community. Whether it's through shopping, dining, or attending local events, your choice to support local businesses and artisans is a gift that keeps on giving, ensuring that your community remains a vibrant and thriving place for all to enjoy. So, this holiday season, let's make a conscious effort to embrace the spirit of locality and celebrate the treasures that make our communities unique.
Christmas shoots now available to book check Facebook for dates and venues
ALL EVENT SPACES AVAILBLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE
TWO OR THREE COURSE FAMILY
CHRISTMAS LUNCH OR DINNER MENUS
BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
BOOK NOW FOR YOUR BESOKE
CHRISTMAS OR NEW YEAR PARTY
North East Open Studios is over, but we are still open!
NEOS is over but we are still open - our regular hours are 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.
We have a wide range of lustre ware and Brian’s lovely stoneware pieces too!
We will be shut for annual leave from Saturday 21st October until Monday 6th November open as normal on Tuesday 7th November.
A Christmas Special weekend will be held on 24th, 25th and 26th of November (that’s Friday Saturday and Sunday). Emma Rodenhurst Grant will be joining us again with fabulous paintings, prints and cards - all welcome!
T: 01261 861909
www.watergaw.com
We are open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm at Watergaw Ceramics, 4 Chapel Street, Whitehills, Banff, AB45 2NB
Visit Huntly this autumn and winter to enjoy local shopping and a range of seasonal events.
When it comes to food and drink, there are a number of Huntly based producers contributing to Scotland’s rich larder. Browse Huntly’s town centre businesses to find gift ideas for everyone, including books, art, flowers, jewellery, fragrances, cosmetics, gift vouchers and more. Take time out from the bustle of shopping to enjoy a walk in Huntly’s stunning surroundings or discover the history and heritage at Huntly Castle or nearby Leith Hall and Gardens. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the range of activities available at the Nordic and Outdoor Centre, including Nordic skiing, roller skiing, tubing, and cycling.
There is plenty to experience in Huntly, and despite the seasonal temperatures, a warm welcome awaits!
Jack and the Beanstalk
Tuesday 28 November – Saturday 2 December
The Stewarts Hall, Huntly
Book tickets now at: www.auroramusic.co.uk/box-office
Farmers’ Market
Saturday 2 December, 9am - 1pm.
The Square, Huntly
Extended festive farmers’ market celebrating locally produced quality food and drink, as well as street food, music and festive family fun.
Saturday 2 December, 9.30am – 2pm
The Gordon Arms Hotel, The Square, Huntly
Over 30 creatives offering locally produced handmade art, crafts and gifts to delight your loved ones.
Sunday 17 December, 10am - 1pm.
The Square, Huntly
Christmas market packed with food, drink, crafts, gifts, street food vendors and more.
Sunday 17 December, PM (Time TBC)
The Square, Huntly
The Rotary Club of Huntly invite you to come along and meet Santa and his reindeer before their busiest night of the year.
Sunday 24 December
The Auction Mart, Huntly
Judging commences at 5.30pm. Tractors leave the Mart at 6.30pm towards The Square in Huntly, Drumblade and Gartly, returning to Huntly Auction Mart. In aid of The Archie Foundation and RSABI.
There are many independent retailers in the Banffshire town of Keith, it is a delight to wander around both Keith and FifeKeith shops with their eclectic mix of products. With a selection of eateries too you certainly won’t be short of a place to stop to re-fuel. There is free parking in both Keith and Fife-Keith squares and also various car parks off Mid St too, although being on the A96, Keith is well served by public transport, so leave the car at home.
During the festive season there is much to see and do too with various fayres and of course the Christmas lights switch on both in town and of course at Tulloch Ard. If you have ever driven into Keith on the A96 in December, you can’t have failed to see this amazing display.
This year unfortunately one iconic member of the community will be missing from the festivities. Davie Carson, who devoted much of his time to the Keith Community sadly passed away earlier
28th October
St Rufus Church Christmas Fayre in Longmore Community Hall
4th November
Keith Football Club Ladies Day
18th November
Grange Christmas Fayre in Longmore Community Hall
26th November
Keith North Church Christmas Coffee morning and Craft Fayre in North Church Hall and Longmore Community Hall
2nd December
Christmas Lights switch on and Santa comes to town. Entertainment by Strathisla Pipe Band
9th December
Keith Show’s bring a party to a party at Longmore Community Hall
this year. He will certainly be missed at this year’s events.
A new event for Keith this year is a tractor run starting at 4pm from Keith Square on the 2nd December.
Hope to see you all there as a warm welcome awaits you in Keith the friendly town!
THE GIFT OF PROFESSIONAL CLEAN BEAUTY THIS CHRISTMAS Monu Professional Skincare Salon
CHRISTMAS @thebeautyboxkeithoffical
We also have Gift Vouchers available both in salon and online. We are here to help you with your Christmas list.
Large stock of Beds and Mattresses, Mobility Rise and Recline Chairs, Pictures and Gift Ware all available for immediate delivery.
ALWAYS NEW STOCK FOR YOU TO COME AND SEE
FREE DELIVERY • WITHIN A 60 MILE RADIUS
Follow us on Facebook for new products and updates at Fortywinks Furnishers Ltd
Unique keepsake bear, elephant, monkey, cushion, rose etc
Handcrafted from cherished clothing belonging to your loved ones
Many occasions you may wish to keep and treasure in this way
Memory Bespoke Creations
These items are not sold as toys but can of course be cuddled!
T: 01343 549699 | E: shona.woods@virgin.net
As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, we’re increasingly aware of a countdown happening all around. Strictly is back on the telly, and the Christmas conversations begin.
It’s said that a smile is your best accessory. Match that with great skin, shiny hair and a relaxed vibe for a great way to boost your confidence and feel your best during this time of year.
Just a few simple steps, and here’s how:
Keep your hair regularly trimmed to avoid the breakages and split ends that are the enemy of the well-groomed. If you fancy a new colour, have that before the Christmas rush, with maybe a top-up toner before the big day? Try a deep conditioning treatment with luxury products to add gloss and a healthy glow. Your mind will benefit too from the relaxing head massage that’s included.
Book a facial or some collagen treatments to brighten up your skin and reduce fine lines. Drink as much water as you can. Add in a slice of lemon for additional interest, and to help detox. If you’re a fan of cider apple vinegar that’s great too. Adding a splash of elderflower cordial and some ice helps to lessen the kick of the
cider. Do drink it through a straw though, as it’s hard on tooth enamel.
Then it’s just your nails. It can take a couple of hours to have an expert manicure complete with extensions or nail art, and what are the chances of that the week before Christmas? Instead, why not book some gel extensions in a festive red, or a set of acrylics with some nail art? These can be done 2 or 3 weeks beforehand and will last right through New Year.
Taking these steps will make you feel your best.
Enjoy the festivities and your time at the Spa!
Don’t forget, you can book all these online now at speysidespa.com. Oh, and if you need gift inspiration, why not give a beautiful voucher for a treatment or therapy at Speyside Spa?
WE ARE STILL MAKING DELIVERIES IF NECESSARY. DUE TO THE VOLUME, WE WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD ARRANGE COLLECTION OF YOUR
EITHER IN PERSON OR BY A FRIEND OR RELATIVE.
before you go. If travelling abroad come in and ask for details.
CALL: FLU VACCINE AND TRAVEL VACCINES AVAILABLE IN-STORE
Bishopmill is operating as close to normal as possible and would like to thank everyone for their support during this time.
Come along to Bishopmill Pharmacy’s digital photolab for all your photographic requirements.
NHS
By Sophia Hanson
It was the kind of October day where the wind whistled through keyholes and windowpanes rattled in their fragile Victorian frames; the kind of day where young mums burst in through the door of the yoga studio guarding their babies tightly underneath their raincoats, so the dash from their car to the studio didn’t soak their tiny faces.
It was the kind of day where I could see straight through the façade of ‘I’m fine”, when I knew that really meant “I feel so helpless when my baby won’t stop crying, people keep giving me advice and it’s drowning out what I think is right for my baby, and what’s happened to my relationship; I’m so scared it’ll never go back to how it was.”
It is, of course, also the season where Hallowe’en pops up and we’re known for wearing masks to hide our real identity and, in this case feelings. That said, there’s inevitably something about the storminess of autumn that gives us the freedom to churn emotions and feelings up like garden debris from under the hedge and take care of it there and then.
As the relaxation class progressed those masks began to melt drip by drip. When one person removes their emotional armour and need for approval the others tend to follow suit. Within 30 minutes there was an open and frank conversation going on about parenting
challenges, about how hard it could be to talk about how much you LOVE being a mum when you know other people are struggling. Stories of breastfeeding wins and fails tumbled out like a never ending waterfall. These mums shared their secret desires to just sink into a hot bath and pretend they didn’t hear the crying, then tales of the phantom cries that propelled them out of their two minute shower only to find their baby sound asleep and completely relaxed.
Motherhood; messy, beautiful, stressful, blissful, full of wonder and occasional regrets. It can be one of the most bitter yet sweetly sweet times of your life. I’ve been teaching hypnobirthing or mum and baby classes for the past six years and if I’ve learnt one thing it’s that the friendships that last are created in those moments of raw honesty and extreme vulnerability.
Whatever you’re experiencing, know that being courageous enough to share it will help those around you soothe their hearts and do the same. They might not do it at the exact same moment, but it will follow, and your honesty will help set them free.
Take a deep breath in and let that mask fall to the floor. Find your freedom, your flow and enjoy all the moments of motherhood you can.
“Have you met Charlie Roy?” asks favourite editor. No, I haven’t, although I know who he is and am not unfamiliar with his work. “Are you free this afternoon?” Well, yes, I am, as it happens. And with that it was done – we were to meet at 3pm at Alan Paterson’s whisky art gallery in Aberlour.
I am about to meet an artist, a most capable, versatile and accomplished artist, so it is somewhat inevitable that the mind wanders, and you start to think about the person you will be meeting for the first time. Will he be one of those brooding personalities, looking intently at the world through far-away eyes under beetling brows or will he be the polar opposite, trilby hat at a jaunty angle, Tom Baker scarf draped artistically and swathed in purple and orange, this season’s must haves?
Neither.
Charlie Roy is a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy, one of us in fact. He arrives, fashionably late (although with a very valid apology) and you immediately feel as if you have known him for a while. Charlie does not so much enter a room as burst into it, full of energy and bonhomie. He is instantly likeable. We made an unusual foursome: two artistic men who have known each other for a good many years and can create wonderful images with just a few deft strokes of the
paintbrush and two ladies who, by their own admission, could not draw a straight line with a ruler. Anyone coming into Alan’s gallery would have been somewhat taken aback– there were three people perched on stools and the fourth in his workshop, waving tools of the trade as if he were conducting an orchestra, interjecting the conversation with snippets of information about days long gone but, by so doing, giving editor and acolyte interesting glimpses into Charlie’s past.
Charlie has not always been an artist. His early working days were as a baker but the urge to create was ever present and was an urge that he could not ignore. So goodbye to the baking career and hello to a brand new way of making his way in the world. Scary. Being an artist does not guarantee immediate fame and countless riches. It is hard work and can be a series of peaks and troughs, trying to make your way in a tough environment.
Yes, there were set-backs in the past, the most serious of which was the fire in 2016 that destroyed everything that Charlie had achieved up to that point. But he is not a man to wallow in misfortune – he just dusted himself down and started all over again. Full credit to him for a stoic determination.
What is even more incredible is the fact that he is totally and utterly self-taught. No formal lessons whatsoever, no years at art college, no courses, no tutorship – nothing. Just pure unfettered talent that had to be expressed in pencil, watercolours or acrylic. With his portraits he manages to convey emotions that, for me, far surpass any that can be captured on camera. And, equally so, with his landscapes he conveys the
mood – bright sunshine, stormy skies, heather clad distant hills. You just have to shake your head in wonderment at this prodigious talent.
If you are unfamiliar with his work, take yourself off to his Facebook page where you will find some of the most extraordinary, brilliant portraits of musicians alongside serene landscapes and wildlife. His prog and classic rock portraits vibrate with energy and have brought him worldwide fame and recognition. These portraits start off with colours that have been randomly splashed on to the canvas (try that at home and you’ll end up with a total mess!) and over this seemingly uncoordinated collection of colours Charlie paints his subject matter – Bruce Springsteen, Mark Knopfler, David Bowie –truly remarkable images that defy description.
Charlie’s work can be purchased through his Facebook page or by contacting him directly by email. If you are lucky enough to be in Alan’s gallery on a day that Charlie is visiting his friend, then you can engage him in conversation and can even commission him to create a work for you. www.facebook.com/charlieroyart
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.
This is a fantastic coastal walk even in the rain, so I discovered anyway. As Billy Connelly says there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing.
Starting in the carpark you will see an opening to the left towards Gardenstown. Go through the opening and follow the path that takes you along the cliff tops with fantastic views looking back over Crovie and looking on to Gardenstown.
The path eventually takes you to a housing estate on the edge of Gardenstown, go through the gate and take a right and walk
Distance: 3 ¾ miles
Time: 2hrs
Level: Easy with some elevation
Terrain: Some road walking, grass path, coastal path and beach.
Access: Arrive by car, parking at the Crovie Viewpoint car park AB45 3JQ. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any bus routes for this walk. The coastal path is tidal so please check the tide times before you set off.
along Morven View Road. At the junction take a left on to Garden Crescent, right on to Bracoden Road which then leads you to Gamrie Brae.
Gardenstown was originally called Gamrie and is still known as Gamrie locally. It was founded in 1721 by Alexander Garden as a fishing village.
Just before the bus stop, take the road to the left along Fernie Brae. Follow this road until you reach the row of sheds. Just after the sheds, on the bend you will find a grass path to your left. Follow this path until it passes between two houses and leads you to a T-junction. Take a left here until you reach the next junction.
Head down Denside Lane until you reach the seafront. Take a left here and enjoy a walk along the seafront and on to the beach at the end. You can extend your walk if you want to explore the remains of St John’s Church that you can see high up in the cliffs.
Turning back at the end of the beach and once on the road, pass by the houses and head towards the harbour. At the fork on the road take a left and walk along the side of the harbour. You will find an area with picnic benches which is a great place to stop for a rest and a snack.
Keep going past the harbour until you see the boat mural on the side of the building. Take the opening to the right of the mural then walk through the car park, then take the next left following the sign post to the next carpark. Once you pass all the sheds you will find the sign post for Crovie.
Follow the amazing coastal path that leads you along the bottom of the cliffs until you reach the small 18th century village. On the path you will pass the memorial for those who helped with the rescue of the crew of the SS Vigilant which ran aground here in 1906. Once you reach Crovie take your time to explore the village, walk to the end of the narrow street and admire the quirky buildings. A major storm destroyed large parts of the village in 1953 so now all that remains is a single row of cottages.
At the pier take a left and you will see an opening on the right beside the boats that are stored nearby. This path is a bit of a hike but is a shortcut to get you back to the carpark. Once off the path just follow up until you reach the carpark and where you first began and the end of the walk.
www.tracygoesoutside.com
Life is made up of the strangest coincidences and ‘knocking down dominoes’ events.
Back in July the Lifestyle team headed to the Royal Oak in Cullen in order to do a review of their food, which we had heard was extremely good. We were very well looked after by Michael, a most entertaining and likeable waiter. But what we did not know was that he is an accomplished author. This fact was revealed a few days later by the Royal Oak’s owner, Caroline, who phoned me, let the cat out of the bag, and asked if it would be in order for Michael to contact the magazine. Of course!
To my amazement when Michael contacted me he informed me he hadn’t just written one book, he had in fact written and published no fewer than four, but thought I would be particularly interested in Killing Shadows. This novel takes the characters to the Moray area and Michael thought this would be of interest to me and Lifestyle readers. There is always something nice about reading or hearing about places you recognise and can visualise, as they are so familiar. I will remind everyone now that it is a book of fiction, and I was certainly glad to remind myself of that as I read of the goings on in our normally quiet villages. This was Michael’s third and final book in the series.
It so happened I was off to see my sister in Florida soon after, so with a couple of longhaul flights in front of me I downloaded all
three books. I didn’t want to start at the end but I wanted to start at the beginning, and I am so glad I did. I would highly recommend you do likewise. Starting with ‘The Wrong Man’ totally sets the scene and gets you completely immersed into the family and their criminal activities. I do enjoy a crime thriller, and this did not disappoint, although it was quite horrific in parts and maybe not for the squeamish. It was an absolute page turner and it didn’t take me long to devour all three novels. I am not going to give away any of the storyline as I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anyone, but if you like a crime thriller, then you must read this trilogy.
I hope Michael is working on his next novel as, judging by the past four, it will be another gripping page turner.
Books can be purchased from www.mjelliottauthor.co.uk or via Amazon as kindle or paperback. To contact Michael about giving an author talk send an e-mail to: michael@mjelliottauthor.co.uk
Lots of you have been dropping-in to chat about your wellbeing needs, here's what some of you had to say about the experience....
‘This was the first day I was out of the house since Thursday. I am glad I came and spoke to you’
‘I wouldn’t have done that without your encouragement’
‘This place was my saviour.’
“I do feel a bit better now.”
“It wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to do that with your support”
With graduates who have gone on to work as administrators within football clubs, lecturers, personal trainers, entrepreneurs, and members of our national government, we are a different kind of institution for a unique part of Scotland.
Plus, we work closely with local employers to ensure our courses are designed to help you achieve your goals in life, work and beyond.
Discover where learning means MORE at our Open Days
+ Saturday 28 October 2023 10am - 2pm + Tuesday 7 November 2023 3.30pm - 6pm
+ Saturday 18 November 2023 10am - 2pm
moray.uhi.ac.uk/opendays
Moray Business Women is a networking club with a shared vision to build a community of women with a willingness to work together, collaborate, share ideas and support each other’s businesses.
Our events are aimed at helping women grow in confidence, both personally and in business. The most important thing we focus on is the welcoming experience you receive when joining the group and during your membership.
What’s more, we’re proud to be known as the ‘go to’ networking organisation for women looking to expand their network in Moray and beyond.
The club brings together side-hustlers, sole traders, micro-businesses and more established businesses in our community. This diverse ecosystem helps our local economy here in Moray to thrive.
One of the ways we recognise and celebrate success is with our annual awards process. Members are invited to submit entries for one of four awards which are:
• Most Enterprising Business
• Emerging Business
• Most Established Business
• Business Woman of the Year
The fifth award is ‘Member of Inspiration’ and is voted for by all members of the club.
Ailsa Stinson, Club President says:
“It’s heart-warming to see the effect that entering our awards has on our members. We notice confidence grow and businesses
flourish as a result of the process. We strongly encourage all members to enter, even if they don’t think they are likely winners, because they will be able to reflect on their own personal achievements. Winner or not, we know each member will discover something to feel proud of.”
JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION!
Award entries are submitted early October and a panel of carefully chosen judges select the winners by the end of October. This year’s winners will be revealed on Saturday 25th November at a glamorous evening taking place at The Stotfield Hotel in Lossiemouth.
The room will be dressed by Sarah at Dream Events and guests will be entertained by Moray’s very own ‘Paul T’ once the award winners have been crowned.
You are invited to join us for the celebration dinner and tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite from the beginning of October. We promise that if you join us, you’ll be ‘In good company!’
The club is currently seeking sponsors for each of the awards, so if your organisation would like to find out more about the sponsorship package (which includes tickets to the event) please contact President Ailsa Stinson, via email: president@mbwc.org.uk
@scotlands_mountain_wanderer • Sgurr Na Banadich
@seaspiritphotography • Burghead
@clarehoganphotography • Gordon Castle Gardens
@clarehoganphotography
By Tracy Chalmers
After work on Friday, we loaded up the campervan for a twoweek adventure, we headed to Wick where we stayed over for the night. The following morning before heading to Gills Bay to board the boat to Orkney, we had enough time to stop in past John o Groats for breakfast and to take a look around.
I hadn’t really made plans for our visit apart from booking into the Kirkwall Bay Campsite for the five nights we were there, it was a great central base and within walking distance to Kirkwall. As soon as we drove off the ferry our adventure began. Our first stop was at the block ships, these were purposely sunk at the entrances to Scapa Flow in WWI & WWII to prevent German ships or submarines getting through.
Only a few miles along the road we came to the amazing Italian Chapel which had been on my bucket list to visit for such a long time. The beautiful chapel was transformed from two Nissen huts by Italian prisoners of war into the most amazing building I have ever seen.
On Sunday we made a wee plan before leaving the campsite on the motorbike. It was a beautiful
day with amazing blue skies so we packed in as much as we possibly could. First stop was the Standing Stones of Stenness and The Ring of Brodgar before reaching the fascinating Skara Brae, the best preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe.
On the way back to Kirkwall we stopped at the remains of Orphit Round Kirk. The kirk is the only surviving circular mediaeval church in Scotland. On our return to Kirkwall, we headed to the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces for a look around and we were amazed to find a group of young musicians performing ‘The Muckin o’ Geordie's Byre’. Climbing the steps in Bishops Palace is well worth it to get a cracking view of St Magnus Cathedral.
It was time for a more chilled day, so we enjoyed a slow morning watching the boats coming into Kirkwall Bay. Later in the day we went into the Kirkwall and had a wander around the shops and had a pint in one of the bars. There are plenty of lovely shops along quirky narrow streets and we of course found the Big Hop Hare.
Blue skies and sunshine returned on Tuesday, so we headed out for another wee bike tour with no real plans just deciding to take it as it comes.
We do like a magical mystery tour. We spotted the sign for The Broch of Gurness, a large iron age settlement with a large broch in the middle. There is a beautiful beach nearby too. Further along the road we stopped at the remains of Earls Palace at Birsay the once home of Robert Stewart the halfbrother of Mary Queen of Scots who became Earl of Orkney in the late 1500’s.
Our last exploration for the day was the Kitchener Memorial. The large tower at Marwick Head was raised by the people of Orkney in memory of Field Marshal Earl Kitchener of Khartoum who along with seven hundred and thirty-seven others lost their lives in HMS Hampshire just off the coast in WWI. An arc shaped wall was later erected with all the names of the lives lost beside the tower. From here you also get amazing views of Hoy and the old man of Hoy on a clear day.
Our last full day in Orkney was a very windy one so we just wandered in Kirkwall and had a lovely meal at the Ayre Hotel. We did a wee bit of shopping although the town was very busy as there was a cruise ship docked at the bay. Unsure if our ferry would sail the next day, but as quick as the wind came it soon disappeared and we were treated to a beautiful sunset. The skies in Orkney are like nothing I have ever seen before.
Just before we caught our ferry, we had been told about
the Gloup and we were rather intrigued. So, in the morning we headed for Deerness to find The Gloup, a large dramatic collapsed sea-cave separated by a land bridge about seventy metres wide. This was a great end to an amazing first part of our summer holidays!
We still have so much to explore in Orkney, and we will definitely return again soon!
Read the next week in our islands adventure in the next issue of Lifestyle.
Rosie Barron is The Tidy Coo, an award winning Declutter Coach and Professional Organiser. A Master KonMari Consultant and APDO’s (Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers). Rosie lives in Aberdeenshire with her husband and four Home Educated children and a huge menagerie of animals who all bring joy.
Ithink that I may well get in trouble for using the C-word when we are only just into October, but hear me out, because a little bit of preparation now will stand you in good stead for the end of the year. Plus, the thought of some Christmas cheer might be just what you need!
As ever, the whole point of what I do is to try to make your life easier and less stressful. So don’t worry about trying to plan the Best Christmas Ever – remember it’s not about how many different courses there are at Christmas Dinner, or about who can spend the most money on presents, it’s about spending time with each other.
First things first, where are you going to spend Christmas and with who? With the number of animals we have, we usually spend Christmas at home and this year is no exception. For many people there will be negotiations to be had with families, and I know we all try to make it the best Christmas we possible can, but do make sure that you’re not running round like a headless turkey trying to please everyone.
Who will you be buying gifts for? Make a list now so you don’t forget, and don’t forget to set yourself a budget. Remember that the point of Christmas is not to bankrupt yourself trying to show love.
Gift giving is an area that can be fraught. I absolutely love getting gifts, and I love the love behind it, but there is no denying that there is often a massive amount of waste at Christmas. Whilst nothing beats the Christmas magic of running downstairs to see if Father Christmas has been (and that’s just me!), you do not need a hundred presents to get the same magic. In fact, too many presents under the tree can be distinctly overwhelming, especially for young children.
For my own children, we try to keep the presents a little reined back and there is a useful little rhyme for this that I use; Something they Want. Something they Need.
Using this, they usually get a nice stocking from Father Christmas, with the addition of some things like chocolate and socks, and a larger present from us. They do a Secret Santa among themselves (which encourages them to think of others!), but we try to encourage other family members to contribute towards experiences instead of presents.
As for the grown-ups, I have quite a large family, being one of four, so we all do a Secret Santa between us, spouses included. It means that rather than frantically hunting round for heaps of presents for each person, we can spend our energy on just one and make it a really good one. I always try to make sure that the gift I give is thoughtful, but I appreciate that I may not always get it right!
As for receiving gifts, I always encourage everyone to receive gifts with grace and thanks for the love that has been given with it. The job of the gift (to show love) is done when it is given. Once the gift has been handed over, it is then up to you to decide if it has a place in your life and if it doesn’t, to release it with thanks.
I cannot tell you how many of my clients are buried under heaps of things that were gifts and
that they feel guilty about letting go of. Either keep it and love it, or let it go on its way to someone else.
Decide if you are sending Christmas Cards.
I know that these are rather going out of fashion now, with many people preferring to make a charity donation, but I still love a card. They help me to keep in touch with people who are not big on social media, and I enjoy reading the round ups that people send with them. Do check out the last posting dates with the Royal Mail as some of them are much earlier than you might think!
Prepare food where you can. If you’re making a Christmas cake, then tradition dictates that you should have started in September, but it’s not too late to start now. You can also start slipping the extra thing into your trolley for the store cupboard or freezer now to spread out the cost. Do you need to order a turkey? My children are not fond of turkey, so we will be having something else at Christmas, probably chicken. With my husband being such an avid cook, food features pretty highly during Christmas Day, but equally, we like to keep it relatively simple – the point is not that he should spend the whole day in the kitchen, but that we should enjoy the day as a family.
20TH OCTOBER
Twist & Shout
25TH OCTOBER
The Maggie Wall (play)
27TH OCTOBER
Big Country
28TH OCTOBER
Johnny Lee Memphis (Elvis Tribute)
11TH NOVEMBER
Oasis/Stone Roses Tribute
17TH NOVEMBER
Dreamboys
18TH NOVEMBER
Craig Hill
19TH NOVEMBER
Lost in Music
1ST DECEMBER
Buble by Candlelight
2ND DECEMBER
The Upbeat Beatles
Calling all beer, cider, gin, and Prosecco fans! Join us as we return with the celebration of local produce and entertainment that the remaining founders; Spey Valley Brewery and Windswept Brewing Co., last hosted five years ago. They have been invaluably assisted this year by a committee of volunteers from the local business community, Kirsty Cameron, Callum Buchan and Pauline Evans whose dedication and passion make this festival a true gem of Moray. It's been a long time since 2018, where over 800 eager souls revelled in the festivities and supported local good causes through the local Rotary Clubs.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of flavour as we bring you over 30 different cask and keg beers, Scottish cider, local gin and fruit gins, vodka, and even a touch of (not so local) Prosecco! There will also be a bottle bar showcasing many other craft and world beer styles.
And what's a festival without delicious food? Prepare to be tantalized by a selection of sausages and street food, prepared by talented chefs from RAF Lossiemouth.
The legendary beer sausage competition is making a return this year, pitting the culinary talents and collaboration of AJ Jamieson with Spey Valley Brewery, JC Dawson and Against
the Grain, and WP MacLeman with Windswept Brewing all challenging each other. Each team has crafted a mouthwatering sausage infused with a carefully selected beer and the festivalgoers will decide the ultimate winning combination.
We also have music from twelve sensational local bands throughout the weekend. Our lineup has been carefully curated by Robbie Conti from Halo Moon and promises to keep your spirits high and your feet moving!
For your entertainment, Robbie has pulled together Danny Mortimer, The Tone Pirates, Halo Moon, The Unforgiven, Shaded Silence, The Forty Elephants, RAF Lossie Volunteer Swing Band, Chris Grant’s Blues Response Unit, Bedhead, Platform 4, Sons o the Soil and The Fragz, so there will be plenty of musical variety to enjoy!
The festival has been generously supported by the following sponsors so far:
Billy Miller Contractor
Russell Construction
Pauls Malt
Against the Grain
Saltire Security
Avva Gin
MMS Almac
Speyside Scaffolding
Lifestyle Magazine
Bothy Creative
Sirology
Lloyd Griffiths Opticians
Guidi’s Pizzeria and Sports bar
The Beach Hut
Gateway Control Systems
A few Sponsorship opportunities are still available and any volunteers willing to help over the weekend, please contact:
MOKTOBERFEST-ELGIN@HOTMAIL.COM
So gather your friends, grab your tasting glass, and join us to discover new favourites, indulge in old classics, and create unforgettable memories at the ultimate celebration of taste and community.
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ morayoktoberfest-2023 for a chance to win tickets!
Tickets: https://www.elgintownhall.co.uk/ events/moktoberfest-2023/
Before you start a new business, you need to know who you’re targeting, your customers and why they would buy from you, research your suppliers, location and understand your competitors too.
Carry out market research if your business is struggling financially or if you are getting complaints or you’re not getting enough clients to make the business work. Research will help you identify how to adapt your business by diversification, pivoting or simply changing the business model completely.
Another reason for research is if you are looking to launch a new product/service.
You can do it yourself, but this takes time and you need to leave no stone unturned. So, if you do it, do it thoroughly.
• There are plenty of companies that carry out all types of market research for you however, such as a simple report about the size of an industry, who the top players are and how well it is performing
• You could carry out a full market report into your chosen industry. You’ll look at
the market and its subcategories as well as metrics covering the market’s current state and future projections for market development. These reports will show current trends and technologies, and often have explanations of why a market will move in one way or another over the course of several years.
• Finally, a product detailed market reports cover not only the performance of the market and its subcategories, but they also cover the specific market values and trends of specific products/services in the industry within specific regions or countries.
Firstly, you need source secondary data, which is information that already exists, sources such as ONS, industry body specific reports, University studies and Council data is useful as a reference. Then use primary research such as surveys, focus groups, interviews, field trials and observations to gather specific information relating to your business.
Feasibility studies include market research and costings, these are detailed reports used to understand if a business, new or existing, is viable. They are valuable reports often used to establish potential trading conditions and costs involved in starting the business.
Research is fundamental to a business, so don’t skip this important step because if you do, you could be planning to fail.
If you would like some free guidance on carrying out your market research, please get in touch and we can email you a free help guide and give you some free advice over the phone.
AVAILABLE WHEN NEED US MOST!
AVAILABLE WHEN NEED US MOST!
ABLE WHEN NEED US MOST! delivery service to your door
Thermostat - £199 delivery service to your door
delivery service to your door
Moray and surrounding areas
ABLE WHEN NEED US MOST! y
Moray and surrounding areas
Portable heaters in stock and free home delivery
ray and surrounding areas table heaters in stock and free home delivery
Portable heaters in stock and for free home delivery
Closing dates: 20th November 2023
I have enjoyed reading all your e-mails as always. I do appreciate all your lovely comments, as I do read them all and apologies there are too many to reply to.
Thank you to the winners of prizes who get back to me with feedback, it’s lovely to hear how much you enjoy your prizes.
Wilma Fielding, the winner of the Distilled tickets from this issue on the 2nd September kindly sent some photos and said how much she enjoyed her day.
Denise Innes also contacted me and sent a picture of the amazing Hellebore by Cally at Colourworx she purchased with her NEOS voucher.
BESPOKEBEAR
A bespoke Memory Bear
PETPORTRAIT
Charlie Roy Pet Portrait DELGATIETEA
Vintage afternoon tea for four CERAMICVOUCH
£30 voucher for Watergaw Ceramics
HEATHERVOUCH
£20 voucher for Heather’s café
MOKTOBERFEST
4 prizes of mixed case of beer from Speyvalley and Windswept
Will you be the next lucky winner?
Shona of Bespoke Memory Bears has kindly offered another one of her beautiful bears.
One lucky winner will be able to have a pet portrait from the wonderful artist Charlie Roy.
A fabulous vintage afternoon tea for four at Delgatie Castle will, I’m sure be something you all hope to win. Maybe sort out a Christmas present if you win the £30 voucher from Watergaw Ceramics, so much lustre glaze to choose from.
Spending the day in Inverness shopping, Heather’s Café, Seafield Rd is definitely a great stop for breakfast or lunch, enter the competition to win a £20 voucher.
Moktoberfest have kindly given us 4 cases of mixed beers from SpeyValley and Windswept breweries. I’m sure that will get the party started.
Good luck!!
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.
Congratulations to our Aug/Sept winners.
We receive hundreds of responses and love your letters and emails... Keep ‘em coming. Who knows... It could be you next time.
