the
Villagers
price
£1
Broadband is coming to Balquhidder See page 8
The Voice of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre & St Fillans • April 2018
Editor’s Bit
Congratulations are also due to Kim Proven, or ‘wonder woman’ as I often think of her, for her great work with LETI; her night of celebrations was richly deserved for all she does in attracting visitors to our area. Spring will come! Enjoy the daffodils and bluebells - and please send us your news, photos, postcards and “Days Out”. JJ
Lochearnhead Latest
‘Ewen, Westies of Craggan’
BLiSS Westie Sculpture Named After Loch Earn Tourism Hero
© walkhighlands
I might, and probably will, be accused of nepotism (if that includes husbands?) and blowing our own trumpet - but after at least four long years of being involved with Balquhidder’s Broadband project, we are finally seeing light at the end of a tunnel (or at least fibre being blown through ducting)! I could try to explain... but I suspect you are all on page 3 by now... As our front cover shows, we were so lucky to be able to show off Balquhidder in the sunshine to our guests from Westminster, Holyrood and Stirling as we held our launch this month. Donald McLaren kindly played the pipes, Mhor 84 provided fish and chips for everyone and Russel anointed the first working cabinet with a dram. Read the full project update on page 8.
The Lochearnhead Village Hall
AGM will take place on
Tuesday 10th April 2018 in the village hall at 7.30pm
Photo by Naomi Scott
All are welcome to attend – please come along and get involved!
Picking a pocket or two with Brian McKay as Fagin
CAOS - Consider Yourselves a Huge Success! “Wow, wow!!! What a fantastic show, brilliantly cast. EVERYBODY was fantastic. Great to see CAOS and Callander Kirk Junior Choir working together. A great recipe for success.” ...just one of the many, many messages of praise which flooded in to congratulate Callander Amateur Operatic Society for their truly fabulous rendering of ‘Oliver!’ at McLaren High School (21-24 March). Well done to all who took part! 2
Ewen, Westies of Craggan - the latest Kev Paxton sculpture on the award-winning BLiSS art trail - was unveiled by its namesake’s widow and granddaughter on St Angus Church grounds at the entrance to Sustrans cycle route 7, Lochearnhead, where West Highland Terriers were once bred. The metal dog installation, by blacksmith and TV personality Kev Paxton, was commissioned by the Loch Earn Tourism Information (LETi) group during Visit Scotland’s ‘Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology’ using an ArtRoots grant awarded by the national cycle charity Sustrans Scotland. The Trustees of St Angus Church enabled the sculpture to be sited on its grounds at the Craggan Road entrance, off the A84. Minister Paddy Allen said, ”This charming sculpture puts the gateway to St Angus Church and the old railway walkway on the map. A delightful route for cyclists and dog walkers of all ages.”
Liz Gilchrist, Paddy Allan, Jill the Ed, Rory Gilchrist and Fiona Martin
West Highland Terriers were once bred in the Craggan by Lady MacGregor of MacGregor’s sister and neighbour, The Hon Torfrida Rollo. Current resident Libby Ransom shared her story of coincidence. “In the early 1950s I was living in Hertfordshire. My mum answered a late availability advert to purchase a West Highland Terrier pup that had been destined for Canada. “Jest of Kendrum” arrived by train from Scotland. In the 1970s, I moved to the Craggan with my husband John. Decades later I re-discovered the paperwork with Jest’s pedigree. Imagine the goosebumps when I spotted the breeder’s signature was Miss Rollo’s. I’m sorry I did not discover my retired neighbour’s profession before she died. Jest’s journey had begun at Craggan Kennels. Wrapped up warmly in a box, he would have been put on the train at Balquhidder Station - Lochearnhead station had already closed but Balquhidder was still served by the overnight train from Oban to Euston. In this district much of the line it used has now become National Cycle Route 7,” she said. LETi Chair Kim Proven said, “The dog tag reads “Ewen”. We named the sculpture after Ewen Cameron OBE, a man who did much for tourism around Loch Earn and beyond, leaving LETi with a legacy to build on.” Ewen’s widow Anne Cameron, who unveiled the sculpture with her granddaughter Lottie said, “My husband was a larger than life character, fondly remembered to this day for many things, including starting the Lochearnhead Water Ski Club in 1955 with me skiing on the bonnet of a Morris Minor. He became Chair of the British Water Ski Federation and a member of the Sports Council and Scottish Tourist Board. He was Scottish Heavyweight Champion and revived the BLS Highland Games where the Ewen Cameron trophy is presented to this day. He published a book of old Lochearnhead and local village photos, met her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and regularly attracted famous An Comunn singers like Kenny
McRae, Calum Kennedy, Alasdair Gillies as well as Bobby MacLeod and his band, to the original Lochearnhead Hotel that we owned. He even appeared on What’s My Line on television and competed in the hammer against Bill Travers who went on to become Olympic Champion ... well, their characters did, in the classic Scottish film Geordie (1955). Lottie Cameron, Ewen’s granddaughter said ”My dad Angus is the current President of the annual BLS Highland Games that takes place in Lochearnhead in July. He followed in granddad’s footsteps, providing hospitality and events in the community - and he owns Lochside Cottages accommodation. Now at 25, I am working on a business plan, in this tourism ‘Year of Young People 2018’. I am considering how I can make a business contribution and continue the Cameron tourism legacy.” There are three permanent Kev Paxton sculptures on the regional Scottish Thistle Award winning BLiSS art trail and two at visiting sculpture locations. Ewen, Westies of Craggan in Lochearnhead and Drover’s Bho (a metal cow) in Strathyre are linked by Sustrans NCR7. Since collaborating with LETi on The BLiSS Art Trail, blacksmith Kev Paxton has become a household name, demonstrating his skills on BBC TV’s Money for Nothing and in a new BBC programme Flipping Profit which will air in April. His work will also be represented at Chelsea Flower Show this year. Greyfriars Bobby sculpture fans have been asked to refrain from touching the old timer in Edinburgh. Ewen is a robust young pup, the newest addition to the BLiSS art trail, whose job is to welcome visitors and highlight Sustrans cycle route 7 via St Angus Church in Lochearnhead. He deserves a pat on the back from outdoor fans and art lovers and will sit for photographers all year round. LETi would like to thank the local community for collaborating on the PR story for its latest BLiSS trail sculpture,
Gus, Ollie and Kim
especially: Landscape co-ordinator Rory Gilchrist; proof reader Elizabeth Gilchrist; Libby and John Ransom for Westie stories; Anne, Lottie, Angus and Ollie Cameron for information on Ewen Cameron. Minister Paddy Allen and Fiona Martin of St Angus Church; Trustee Sandy Stewart; Willie and Finlay Wright for donating, moving and building the rocky hillock in freezing conditions over two hours, David Johnston for additional photography and LETi Editor in Chief, Gail McGuffie.
Libby and John Ransom
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Not Long to go... Strathyre Music Festival
Strathyre News
25th - 27th May 2018
Strathyre Music Festival is back again for a 6th year. An eclectic mix of Rock, Folk, Blues, Traditional and Country; something for everyone. Hosted by top local band, Balvaig, this music event is considered to be Scotland’s largest community festival for 2018.
The Festival is opened Friday night by veteran Dave Alan, who will get you all in the mood for what is to be a great weekend of music. Following Dave, we have two newcomers to the Festival. Formed in 2016, Brimstone and Baker will perform a musical variance from Blues to Gospel. The Flathead 4 will transport us back to the 50s for their unmistakable take on rockabilly and rock and roll. To round the evening off, from the heart of Glasgow we have Papa Shandy and The Drams. For those of you that have heard them before at our Festival you know you will not be disappointed. For those of you that haven’t, then it’s a must. Performing a mixture of traditional Irish and Scottish music, folk, bluegrass and Ceilidh music - there’s no better way to end Friday night! Saturday - still keeping the momentum going - we start the day with Drouthy Neebors; as most of you know, no strangers to our Festival. During the course of the day, we have introduced more newcomers to the Festival. Based in Peebles we have Lazy Man’s Burden; their music both traditional and contemporary. Later on in the evening we are happy to introduce Glasgow’s premier Rock and Heavy Metal Band Neon Hurricane. To end the evening we are very pleased to invite back this year as our headline band Mid Town Riot. A sensational band from South Lanarkshire and nobody more fitting to close this part of the Festival. All this wonderful music for the princely sum of £8 per day. Children below 16 come free. All proceeds to next year’s Festival. Tickets available on the day or if you are passing pop into the box office situated in The Strathyre Village shop. See website for musicians playing. Meanwhile up in the Market Place we have the Market Stage. Acoustic by nature ; this is our second music venue in the village. Balvaig will be opening this part of The Festival on Saturday morning. Running both Saturday and Sunday; if you fancy a slot, email our Market Stage Manager, Andy Bates at andy@balvaig.co.uk. The Market itself will be opened on Saturday morning at 11.00am and Sunday from 12 noon. With all local produce and crafts on display, it makes it well worth a gander. Mike Keeney Chairman Strathyre Music Festival Visit us on Facebook
www.balvaig.uk
A Marvel-lous Birthday Night Out! We have just attended a ‘Marvellous’ party in the Munro Inn, celebrating owner May Rooney’s birthday and, as you can see from the photo, it was a Marvel comics superhero themed event. This comes as no surprise as I know she has a secret longing to be Captain America! It was a real fun event as would be expected when this crazy family and friends get together. All the superheroes had a fantastic evening and well done to everyone who made the effort to make it a special birthday for May. Can I just say May, you are always a superhero to us! Happy Birthday! Jan and Wullie D 4
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Fri 25th - Sun 27th May 2018 £8 per day entry fee • Under 16’s free
Back again for a sixth year, 3 days of music set in Scotland’s first village in the highlands. Headlining Friday Night
Papa Shandy & the Drams Saturday Night
Mid Town Riot Saturday & Sunday the Market Stage, situated in The Market Place For more information, visit us on Facebook TWITTER www.balvaig.co.uk
Race Night The annual Stuc race night will be held in
The White Stag Inn on Saturday 7th April with the first race at 7.30pm (-ish!)
Poolhall Champ Adrian! Once again, I had the pleasure of playing (and going out in the first round) for the Gary Smith Memorial pool trophy, which I won last year. At the time I predicted that my opponent, Adrian Wilburt was destined to have his name back on this trophy, and to prove my point that’s exactly what he has done!!! Mind you it was not plain sailing by any means as his adversary, one Andrew Nixon, after being two games down, fought back with some fantastic shots and took the game to the final black ball. But the night was Adrian’s after a missed shot by Andrew which left the black hanging over the pocket and he very gallantly gave the game and the match to our new Champ. Congratulations.... but I would keep an eye on Andrew for next year!! Pictured is Steve presenting Adrian with the trophy. WD
Ladies Lunch Sunday 29th April from 1pm Strathyre Village Hall
If you wish to ‘buy’ a horse, there will be a board up in the bar and then the Village Shop. Horses will be priced at £3.00. There will also be an auction after the racing is finished, where, among other lots, you will have the opportunity to bid for a week’s holiday in a fully furnished house on the beautiful Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides!!! Come along and join us on this very popular evening (come early to get a seat) and all proceeds will go to the running of the Race and the continuing upgrade of the Village recreation grounds.
See you at the post! Wullie D
Fundraiser for The Strathyre Village Hall
L
Fabulous vintage style tea party planned including afternoon tea, prossecco, gin tasting & music! Please dress to impress 50’s style.
£25 a ticket
Tickets available from Strathyre Village Shop or email blsctmail@gmail.com Hurry as tickets are limited!
Fabulou 5
The
St Fillans Bit
The Great Loch Earn Boat Race CRIEFF NO. 682
Supported by Strathearn Distillers and Achray House Hotel The 2018 Great Loch Earn Boat Race is taking place on Sunday 29th April 2018. Registration on the day commences at the Achray House Hotel, St Fillans, at 10:45, followed by a safety briefing, after which transport is provided for participants to the starting point on Loch Earn west shore (Lochearnhead side). A staggered starting time applies, launching ladies’ teams at 12:30, mixed teams at 12:45 and men’s teams at 13:00. The race covers 7 miles along the length of Loch Earn, culminating at the Achray House Hotel jetty. The first boats are expected at the finish line from 15:30, with the prize-giving ceremony at 17:00 at the Achray House Hotel.
Boat Race finishes at the Achray! The annual Great Loch Earn Boat Race is scheduled for Sunday 29th April 2018, with the race ending at the Achray House Hotel as in previous years. This year, registration on the day will also take place at the Achray House Hotel in the morning (details are outlined in the advert, right). This race entails 4 rowers per boat, with prizes awarded for different categories (including the best dressed crew & boat!). This charity event is under leadership of the Crieff Round Table, with proceeds going to worthy charities. Other news from the Achray House Hotel is that we’ve just started our Summer schedule, which means we’re open from Tuesday to Sunday for dinner and socialising, or an overnight break, and for a hearty Sunday Roast lunch (bookings recommended).
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The race entails four rowers per boat, with two rowing at a time. Crieff Round Table, the beneficiary of proceeds, is in charge of race bookings, at £80.00 per boat. Email crieffroundtable@hotmail.com to secure your participation, nominating a team captain to serve as contact point and recipient of relevant documents. A limited number of boats are available, so get your entries in a.s.a.p. Each team is requested to secure sponsorship, however small, to boost the Crieff Round Table charitable effort for the event. Trophies and associated prizes, donated by local businesses, will apply to the following four categories: - Overall winning boat - Veteran’s category (combined age of crew must be at least 220 years!) - All-ladies crew - Mixed crew In addition, a prize for the best-dressed crew (mindful of crew spirit as much as thematic dressing), and various other fun prizes will be handed out.
The 2018 Great Loch Earn Boat Race is your chance to do healthy activities, supporting charity, socialise, and maybe even win a prize, all on the same day!
The Four Seasons Sunday Brunch The Four Seasons is starting a monthly Sunday Brunch to be held on the 1st Sunday of the month. The brunch buffet will offer the best of breakfast as well as some fabulous creations from our new kitchen team and will be available from 11.30 am to 3.00 pm. From pancakes, bacon and maple syrup to eggs benedict, smoothies and sour dough Sunday Brunch is the “in” meal and conversation starter for family and friends to end the weekend. Prices are £17-50 for adults and is the perfect hangover cure whilst families bringing children along can expect to pay £8-75 for each of their young people. With the next brunch being held on the bank holiday weekend, early bookings are recommended. call 01764 685333 to make your reservation.
Pin-Feathers*
*Once in demand by Victorian miniaturists, the tiny pin-feather comes from the leading edge of a woodcock’s wing and only two such feathers occur on each bird (one on each wing). This month, Old Nyati shares a favourite photograph from his travels: ‘Moving House’.
Favourite Walks
Callander & West Perthshire U3A March came in with The Beast from the East and upset plans all over the place, not least causing the cancellation of many of our interest groups. However, once roads were clear again, everyone picked up where they had left off with great enthusiasm - and the Ancient History Group had no problems setting off for Rome to tour the city and its surroundings on another intensive week, immersing themselves in Learning for Fun, which is what the U3A is all about. Whether you enjoy physical activity, craftwork or foreign languages we offer something for everyone. For details of all our groups and other events run in Callander and its surrounding villages, please consult our website ‘Callander and West Perthshire U3A’.
As Spring is hopefully around the corner we thought it was time to re-introduce your favourite walks starting with this in Glencoe. Signal Rock is the stuff of Glencoe folklore and is situated in the woodlands of An Torr, with a short but varied walk to get there. The rock sits on Tom A’ Ghrianain which is Gaelic for ‘Hill of the Sun’ and its purpose can only be guessed at. From the name it has been suggested that it is likely to have been a spot where druids came to worship the sun. In more recent history it was said to be a gathering point for the MacDonalds of Glencoe in an emergency or a place where a beacon would be lit by the clan to warn of any dangers. Most famously some also believe that a fire was lit here to signal the start of the Glencoe Massacre on 13th February 1692 although all these theories are just speculation, it doesn’t take away from the mysterious atmosphere. The walk starts by crossing a wooden bridge over the River Coe with woodland before you and the mountains behind you providing a stunning backdrop. Although there is a fairly easy path through the characterful trees, it does go up and down at points with some rocky and muddy patches, though the route in general is not difficult. There is no mistaking Signal Rock when you get there as it looms ominously in front of you and an information board confirms you have reached your destination in case you are in any doubt. Walk around to the back and you can climb the steps to the top and although the trees now shroud what would once have been extensive views of the glen, it is still a magical place to ponder what mysteries and secrets from the past the rock holds within its stony soul. 7
Broadband Update: March Despite March’s best attempts to thwart progress on the broadband, our team has achieved a remarkable number of milestones in our rollout of fibre across the glen: - a well-attended public meeting on the 18th, when 57 people turned up to the Village Hall to hear about our progress to date and our timescale for the rest of the network. - completion of the Stronvar sector, with a dozen houses now connected, and sending and receiving at 1Gb/s (about 1,000x what they were getting before), with our blowing and splicing team working through a blizzard to get the job done. - construction of the base for the cabinet at the Village Hall, installation of the ducting to it and digging of the ducting that will serve the Village itself. - the official launch of our network on 23rd March (pictured on the front cover) with assorted politicians, members of the Council and press in attendance. Even the sun came out for that! - ordering of the cabinets for the Village Hall and Mhor 84 (that’s all three planned cabinets now either in place, under construction or ordered). One hold-up has been with to-ing and fro-ing with the Council roads department about just how they want us to install the duct on the bridge crossings: we think we’re there now and, as soon as those are done, we’ll be able to complete the duct and fibre runs to the Village and to Gartnafuran and other points West. RH
Top: the Broadband volunteers, out in all weathers - where possible! Left: laying the fibre conduits; and David in action at the public meeting.
To keep fully up to date with what we’re doing, please go to any of the following, as suits: - our web site, at http://balquhidder.net/ - our Twitter feed, @gigabit_glen - our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/balquhidderbroadband/ or sign up for email updates by joining our google group: https://groups.google.com/group/balquhidder-broadband
Biking in the Park School pupils have joined Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham for a bike ride with a difference, to launch a five-year plan for supporting people from different backgrounds to enjoy the great outdoors through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. The pupils from St Modan’s High School in Stirling, who all have additional support needs, demonstrated how they can experience the fantastic recreational activities on offer at the Park, thanks to a project that lends specially adapted bikes for children and young people with disabilities. The school pupils took the Cabinet Secretary, National Park Authority Convener James Stuart, and Chief Executive Gordon Watson for a bike ride in Callander and explained what benefits the project has had for them. Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Along with our partners at the National Park I’m 8
Roseanna tries out the bike ride
delighted to be able to launch this plan, which aims to unlock the area’s ‘great outdoors’ for everyone. And it’s particularly encouraging to see the focus given to providing access for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to
the National Park’s amazing resources. “It’s great to see the ambition of the National Park Partnership Plan in trying to tackle issues that are key to young people – by providing skills and training opportunities, as well as creating more affordable housing within the park itself. That’s particularly important during 2018 – the Year of Young People. Deputy Chief Executive Officer of FABB Scotland, Jan Brereton said: “We want to help make Scotland a happier and healthier place to live for everyone and break down the barriers facing people with disabilities. The adapted bikes are really popular, and we work with a range of groups, such as the pupils St Modan’s, out of our base at Callander to give them that opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fantastic surroundings of the National Park and all the benefits it brings. “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the National Park Authority to further widen those benefits to more groups of people.”
Church News Balquhidder BLS
MUSINGS FROM THE MANSE The Man From Nazareth
A note from
St Angus’s
Dear friends We are really on a roller coaster this spring and I gather they are threatening us with snow over Easter itself. However, that is the hurly-burly of life isn’t it? A reminder that we cannot plan everything, but there is an inexorable growth that persists in all the surface turmoil. I have loved watching the crocuses putting out their flowers, disappearing under a dump of snow, then reappearing undaunted a few days later – bent but unbowed. May that be your experience of joy this Easter as we celebrate life in all eternity sometimes buried but never dead! And as I have now become very old and approach retirement at the end of May, I would like to tell you how very, very happy we have been here and how we will miss you all. Paddy
Hi Folks Two thousand years and counting... He started a revolution then... He provokes controversy now... His name sells millions of books and generates Hollywood films... Who was he? By the time you read this article, another Easter will be done and dusted. Not that our society in general notices that. In fact, the word Easter has been removed from some brands of Chocolate Eggs. Well I suppose we don’t want to offend anyone, do we! Now whatever we think of the Easter Story, it was the springboard for the launch of the early church which in turn had such a major impact on history as we know it. Who would have thought that a humble peasant revolutionary from a remote area of a backwater province of the Roman Empire would have achieved the fame, status and importance that Jesus of Nazareth has. From a handful of puzzled and sometimes sceptical followers to the largest religious affiliation (over 2 billion)) in the world today, the Christian faith has certainly been one of the most successful and enduring movements in human history. Of course it is debatable that Jesus himself would approve of much that has allegedly been done in his name, but that’s another story! Jesus has been the focus for unrivalled interest and unparalleled investigation. Warring factions have fought over him, even for him, and many have claimed him as their own. I have even seen a picture of the High Priest of Atheism Richard Dawkins wearing a T-shirt with the caption “Atheists for Jesus” which, I confess looked real cool! The fact is that the Nazarene has had an impact and influence out of all proportion to his social background and status. Even within the New Testament there is that wonderfully revealing statement by Nathanael when Philip tells him about Jesus: “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?”(John 2:46) But the man from Galilee has certainly confounded his critics. I remember hearing the comedian Billy Connolly remark that one of the driving forces in his career was the thought that he could live his life and no one would know that he had even existed. Billy has tried hard to make sure that doesn’t happen. I think he has succeeded. I for one am a big fan! However, will they be talking about him two thousand years from now? Somehow I think not; although as my wife sometimes reminds me I have been known to be wrong! This is where the Easter story comes in. Without that experience and the faith and hope it engendered would I even be writing this article? Without the Easter narrative there is no Christian faith. Many people throughout history have viewed Jesus as a great spiritual figure; an inspiring preacher; an enlightened teacher; a passionate prophet; a radical social activist; a compelling mystic; a courageous martyr: take your pick! Of course there is some truth in all of these designations. Nonetheless, for Christians, it is the drama of Easter, not just the life and ministry of Jesus, that is central to his relevance and importance. Given the human condition we don’t need yet another exemplar of the roles just listed above. If Jesus is reduced to just another one of those categories then so what? Big deal! Yawn!!! For Christians, Jesus is a living saviour - not a dead martyr. The Jesus of history is also the Christ of faith. He is the one who reveals who God is and the one who is the bridge between us and God. He is the one who entered into the alienation of the human condition and overcame the forces of darkness, evil and sin through his death and resurrection. That is why there is a Gospel (the word means Good News). That is why there is a Christian hope. That is why the three words the church often proclaims encapsulates so much – “Christ is Risen.” To some this is nonsense and always has been….when Paul debated with the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers in Athens they laughed at him (Acts 17: 16-34). What’s new, eh? But to those of us who have studied this subject in depth there is more to the Easter story than meets the eye. Furthermore, to those of us who have experienced the power and grace of Christ in our personal lives, Easter is more than just an event two thousand years ago. It is part of our living and active faith of today. Now that is a point to ponder.
Russel 9
Concert at St Mary’s, Aberfoyle 15th April 2018 at 3pm
The Edinburgh Renaissance Band The Edinburgh Renaissance Band, formed in 1973, is a group of 12 Edinburgh based musicians who specialise in the performance of music from the period 12001600. They are well known for the wide variety of instruments they use. The Viol Rackett Show will be a joyous journey round the music and instruments of medieval and Renaissance Europe. Viols and racketts of course – but also cornetts, sackbuts, shawms, violin, rebec, and others of every kind. Friendly presentation from director Murray Campbell to make “early music” easily accessible. From the Hymn to St Magnus in twelfth century Orkney to the seventeenth century canzonas and motets of Viadana and Banchieri by way of many of the major musical centres of Europe, this is a fascinating and hugely enjoyable show for the whole family.
www.edinburghrenaissanceband.com Facebook @EdinburghRenaissanceBand Reserve a place by email to concerts0310@yahoo.co.uk or on line from http://stmarychurchaberfoyle.org.uk/?page_id=124 We ask for Donations for our concerts so that Gift Aid (if you wish) can be claimed by us.
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Drs Strang & Scott and Drs Mathewson & Gibson Community Nurses The next Patient Focus Group meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th April at 1pm in the Medical Centre. This is a new group and we welcome everyone who is interested to come along and have your say on Callander Medical Centre. For further details please contact Margaret (Bracklinn Practice) or Karen (Leny Practice).
SEEING STARS by Keith Wilson
If you have been reading this column for the last two years you will probably be an expert at locating ‘The Plough’ in the night sky. ‘The Plough’ is part of the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear, and is commonly used as a direction finder to help locate the north star and thus the compass direction north. When you see ‘The Plough’ this month look for the second last star on its ‘handle’. The star is called Mizar but if you look at it through binoculars or a small telescope you will see that it has a companion, a fainter star called Alcor thus making it a double-star system. Ancient astronomers with good eyesight and very dark skies referred to the two stars as ‘the horse and the rider’. Although we see two stars there is actually six stars in total which make up the Mizar and Alcor system.
DOCTORS
Dr Strang has received this nomination from a 5th year medical student at Dundee University. We wanted to share it with all our patients. (Unfortunately, the award ceremony was postponed due to the “Beast from the East”. We will let you know what happens next...) “During my rural GP placement, the staff at Bracklinn Practice were excellent. The GPs took every opportunity they could to teach me and the teaching they provided was fantastic. Each GP taught something about every patient, involved me in discussions about patient care and gave very useful feedback that I could immediately learn from and put into practice. All members of staff were happy to involve me and were very supportive and so easy to approach if I ever had any query. They also took time and effort to plan my placement, so I was able to spend time with many members of the primary care team and therefore could get a really varied experience of community medicine. It was an all-round a very enjoyable month spent with excellent teaching.”
Hidden Glen 10K Saturday 21st April 2018 The Hidden Glen 10K is being planned to return to Balquhidder Glen on Saturday 21st April instead of repeating a September date as last year. The event is due to start at 12pm and as such the Glen road from Balquhidder Village Hall to Monachyle Mhor Hotel will experience increased traffic between 10am and 11.30am and then again between 1pm and 3pm. I recognise that the Glen road is single track and I do not want cause annoyance to local residents. We would like to ask local residents to, where possible, avoid travelling on the Glen Road between these times in order to avoid any inconvenience. I hope that I am giving sufficient notice of the event but If travel between these times is essential please contact me directly on the email below and I will make every effort to facilitate your journey within the Glen with minimal inconvenience. This year Run Mhor will be making a donation to Balquhidder Playgroup, but we are looking for other local charities or groups which we could also support so please get in touch. Pete Waugh Run Mhor
Photo of the Month
This glorious shot of Loch Lubnaig was taken for The Villagers by Mel Brydie - thanks Mel!
info@runmhor.net
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A Day in The Life of...
We would love you all to send us your Day - the length is entirely up to you. Send your Day In The Life to The Editor at contact@the-villagers.org.uk
I’m Carlos Ragone, the Head Chef at The Four Seasons Hotel in St Fillans. Everyone wants to know about how chefs live their lives. They think it is all very glamorous, but the reality is it is all hard work. Particularly if, like me, you are newly engaged and saving up for a wedding. My fiancée is leaving it all to me at the moment, well at least until I get a suitable bank balance that will allow her to arrange the wedding of her dreams! Here at The Four Seasons we have just recruited a new kitchen team who are finding their feet, so my role is to develop them to deliver to the standards that we require to maintain our two AA Rosette kitchen. We work a variety of shift patterns and whilst many Head Chefs pass over the responsibilities of breakfast to the rest of the team, I quite like it. I live on site and am usually woken by Finn bouncing around Sue’s flat above me at just before 7am. Generally, I’m pretty good at getting up but as a back-up plan I have a few alarms set on my iPad. When I’m up and dressed, Sue has usually unlocked the hotel so the first order of the day, like most people is music and coffee. I have an eclectic array on Spotify to please all staff and if not on my phone you can hear it in the background in the kitchen. Then it is down to business, grills, fans and ovens on. A quick check that the front of house team has all they need including yoghurts and fruits and then back to start the process of cooked breakfasts. We cook to order so all must be prepared so that it can be cooked quickly. At this time of year breakfast is easy but come summer, it can be challenging, particularly Sunday mornings. After breakfast it is about moving onto staff lunch. Whilst all can help themselves to cereals and toast at any time, lunch is usually served before guest lunches. We have a lot of live in so meals are an important part of the day. Pasta, baked potatoes, roasts, burgers and hotdogs are popular with the team and all easy to cook. It is at this time our kitchen porter arrives. One of the most crucial team members in the kitchen. A good KP can make or break the kitchen making their lives easier or not as the case may be. We have three staff who share this responsibility - Brad, Martina and Jack to share the work load. It is usually around lunchtime that the rest of the team come on shift so on a quieter day they pick up on lunches whilst I pick up on paperwork. Health and Safety is a critical part of kitchen life today so checking temperatures and making sure that food close to use by dates are used or frozen for staff meals is a big part of my role. It is also at this time that I place orders and negotiate with suppliers and work on menus with the team. I then catch up with Sue to discuss all the aforementioned things before taking an afternoon siesta with my music or going out for a bike ride. I take this opportunity to face-time family. My baby girl, was three last month and being 50 miles from home may as well 12
be 5000 miles. We speak every day and I can’t wait for my days off to roll round each week. During the afternoon the rest of the team, Miro, Scott and Chris start to pick up on the prep for evenings and deliver the afternoon tea offering that we have as well as staff dinner, so by the time I come back on shift around 5/6pm the kitchen is into full flow. This year is the first time that the hotel has opened in February and we have also changed the opening hours of the Tarken to open from 5pm rather than 6pm. It is picking up a few passers-by and is encouraging those early diners to visit us sharp at 6pm. When it comes to the evening we rely very much on the front of house team to make sure to stagger the restaurant reservations. This can be difficult as most people want to dine at 7/7.30pm and it just isn’t possible on a busy day. At this time of year, whilst a little quieter it gives me the chance to work with the team supporting them in the different sections of the kitchen. I can monitor the work that they are doing and show them the standards expected for the dishes leaving the kitchen. Every chef has their own way of doing things, so it is important to establish and demonstrate the standards both expected and required of us. The hotel does not have ambitions to have a Michelin star restaurant, but our client base does have high standards, so it is
Carlos gets ready for business!
about making sure that we develop a product offering that can be delivered to a good 2** standard within a sensible time period. Last orders in the restaurant is 8pm (we push that back to 9pm in the summer) so by 8.30pm we have served all the canapes (maybe haggis bonbons and salmon and crème fraiche tartlets) as well as the starters. The Tarken is well on its way with fish and chips and macaroni cheese and the Meall Remhar is slowly moving onto main courses. Rib-eyes are firm favourites along with any fish dish we put together. We have been lucky enough to recruit a pastry chef, so by 9pm the pressure shifts to desserts - passion fruit curd tarts and sticky toffee pudding proving to be the popular choices of the day. Whilst dessert is being enjoyed by the guests, the main kitchen team are clearing up in the kitchen again with a focus on storing food correctly. The KP has been working hard all evening and still has the pot section to do, so whilst we retire (frequently to the Achray!) around 10pm the KP closes and finishes around 11pm. Then it is a case of back to the drawing board for the next day but maybe not breakfast! Carlos’ music playlist: NWA • Notorious BIG • Dizzy Rascal • Prince • Tag ‘n Bone Man • Busta Rhymes • Roxy Music • Depeche Mode • Ice Cube • Frank Sinatra
BOOK REVIEW
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine Gail Honeyman I came to this book via the BBC Radio 4 programme “A Good Read” and was so intrigued by the comments made about it on the programme that it was top of my shopping list the next time I was in a book shop. The story is set in Glasgow, something that only dawned on me some way through the book. The author is a graduate of Glasgow University and lives in the city. All the characters in the book are brilliantly drawn and some of them really come alive if you imagine them speaking in a broad Glaswegian accent! Eleanor Oliphant is odd but in an incredibly likeable way and as far as she is concerned, she is completely fine. But she isn’t really. She has a job which she is good at, but it isn’t going anywhere. Her work colleagues remain distant. Her life is regulated by the time of day and the days of the week, and regular chats on the phone with Mummy. It seems that without this rigid routine everything would fall apart. But that is not exactly what happens. Her routine is interrupted when she meets the deeply unhygienic but kindly IT guy, Raymond, from work and together they chance upon an elderly man, Sam, who has fallen on the pavement. These three lonely people become friends and by providing mutual support, they rescue one another from the lives of isolation each has been living. Raymond has a big heart and is undeterred by Eleanor’s doggedness, he doesn’t give up on her and shows us the true meaning of friendship by helping Eleanor to see a way of repairing her own damaged heart. This is a funny and immensely endearing book; Eleanor is weird, but her eccentricities are bound up in a past which remains hidden to us right up to the last word. Brilliant, clever, moving!
CLACHAN COTTTAGE HOTEL ONE OF SCOTLAND’S ICONIC SETTINGS ON THE SHORE OF LOCH EARN The clachan has been here for a long time, tending to travellers and residents alike - and is now the largest hotel in the area, boasting deluxe bedrooms and amazing loch view rooms. Our Autumn menu is now on the go - it’s definitely time for snuggling up in front of our blazing log burner on a chilly night. Try our “smoked venison with grilled wild mushrooms” accompanied by one of our 20 trendy gins. Sample our fresh scallops from Loch Broome - and finish off with an old favourite: home made sticky toffee pudding, smothered with butterscotch sauce. The summer has been fantastic from a customer point of view as we have launched our activities for hotel residents where they can take advantage of our free bikes or canoes to really explore the surrounding countryside. This gives our overseas visitors the chance to see Cycle Route 7 without the hassle of travelling with bikes. Weddings and small functions are now hosted by the Clachan. Our stunning setting provides the perfect backdrop for those all important videos or photos. Weddings or functions catered for • deluxe bedrooms • Clachan bar • Rowan restaurant Canoes/boat trips or bikes available • now showing all SKY sports in the bar
Cookin’... Kasia’s on holiday this month, so our Advertising Manager Andrew Poulter has stepped into the breach with a yummy and crunchy suggestion for hard working broadband diggers.
Granny Poulter’s Ginger Biscuits
These biscuits are proving particularly popular with the Balquhidder Broadband digging team at the moment. Or Mark, anyway, which is why I generally make a double batch. Granny never got round to being metricated so this is an unashamedly ‘old money’ recipe. 8oz SR Flour 2tsp ground ginger 4oz margarine 4oz granulated sugar 4oz golden syrup 1tbs milk mixed with 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 ball of stem ginger cut into fine pieces (optional)
This makes around 30 biscuits Set Fan Oven at 160 °C Grease 3 baking sheets Put the golden syrup tin into warm water so that it will be runny when you measure it out. Mix the flour and ginger together. Rub in the margarine. Add everything else and mix up. Flour your hands and roll walnut size pieces of mixture into balls. If the mixture is too sticky stir in some more flour. Arrange on the tray in rows. 3,2,3,2 works well Bake for around 15 minutes until golden. Leave on the tray for a few minutes to harden.
New Arrival... A happy event for Ellen and Kev! Welcome to the world, Archie James Howlett, born at 8:43pm on the 29th January, weighing in at 8lbs 6oz. 13
McLaren High School Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships On Sunday 11 March, 27 members of McLaren High School’s Pipe Band and Trad Band travelled to Livingston to take part in the 6th Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships. The Pipe Band, led by this year’s Pipe Major Rebecca More, were first to perform for the School and put in a brilliant performance of Pipe Major William Ross’s Farewell to the Scots Guards, The Atholl and Breadalbane Gathering, Men of Argyll and Campbell’s Farewell to Redcastle. Many of the drummers have been playing for less than a year which makes their performance even more special. The band would like to thank pipe tutor Andrew Wallace, drum tutor Sandy Bayne and tenor drum tutor Vikki Paul for all their help and support leading up to the competition. We also had a Freestyle entry in the competition where members of the Trad Band, together with 4 pipers, were joined by Greg McLachlan on drums and Holly McNaught on bass guitar to play their version of Trail West’s Close to Home. Although they had limited rehearsal time, and this being the first time the pupils had all performed together, they sounded amazing.
Pipes and Trad! From top: Freestyle practice; Pipe Band performance; Pipe Major Rebecca More; Jamie McNaught and Andrew Mclay
visit our website: www.mclarenhigh.co.uk
Well done McLaren! First place in the Robotics Challenge.
Robotics Challenge Huge congratulations to the UK Winners of the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge - McLaren High School! Team McLaren (pictured right) were recently crowned winners at the award ceremony at the Big Bang Fair. They were overall winners out of 400 teams who entered across the UK. What an achievement - well done team! Thanks to Mr MacMillan and Mr Ross for all their help organising the team and taking them to the event. 14
A Postcard from...
The Enchanted Forest
A visit to the Enchanted Forest had been on my ‘to do’ list for a couple of years when I finally managed to get tickets in 2017. The event takes place each evening at Faskally Wood near Pitlochry, for several weeks every autumn. Initially, I wondered if I’d made a big mistake in choosing tickets for an early evening start when we found ourselves in the bus queue surrounded by a giggling troop of Brownies on their big night out! I also worried that the highly efficient system for bussing visitors to the venue (no parking at the site) wasn’t really our style. I needn’t have worried! The minute we arrived at the entrance to the show any concerns just disappeared into the darkness. The Enchanted Forest is a truly amazing event with a great atmosphere, made all the more enjoyable by the excitement of the younger visitors and the relaxed transport provided. The spectacle is made up of a series of light shows positioned around Faskally Loch. Some of the shows are accompanied by music whilst others are combined with storytelling. Although there is a specific route round the different sections, you can take as much time as you like. Each section is a unique and beautiful experience and we were enthralled by it all, going around the whole site more than once and spending ages in front of our favourite bits. We were lucky to visit on a relatively mild and mostly dry evening but if you’re thinking of going take suitable clothing, sensible footwear and a torch! LK
Debating Congratulations to Archie Farquharson S3 and Tommy Scott S2 (above) who were granted first place by a unanimous panel of judges at the Sherriff Court in Falkirk at the recent Forth Valley Public Speaking Competition against very tough opponents. Thanks to Miss Cunningham and Mrs Moir for their continuing support. 15
O B I T UA RY
Maurice Gordon Baker It is with great sadness that we report the passing away of Maurice Baker. Maurice has been a key member of the local community for many years but particularly since he moved into his home in Lochearnhead in the 1990s. Maurice’s funeral was held on Monday 26th February in Balquhidder. The service was conducted in the Parish Church by Rev Russel Moffat. Maurice was born on the 8th December 1934. He lived his early years in Cambridge with his older Sister, Audrey. He won a bursary to attend The Perse School in Cambridge. The school Motto is “Qui facit per alium facit per se” which, I am told, translates as “he who does things for others does them for himself” which pretty much describes the way Maurice led his life. Throughout his life, Maurice recognised the great start in life his schooling gave him by making donations back into their bursary fund to help repay their investment into his life. He was introduced to Scouting at School and also joined the Army Cadets there. On leaving School, Maurice joined ICI, training to become a plastics research chemist - a career that eventually saw him rewarded with 25 years’ service. His career was interrupted by a period of National Service that saw him posted to India and Malaya with the Army Catering Corps. This obviously gave him a lifelong talent for cooking - of which so many of us have had the benefit! He rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant. By that time, he had already become involved in Scouting in his new home town of Welwyn Garden City. He continued his Scouting during his time in the Army as the Scout Leader of the 19th Jahore Bahru Troop in Malaya for Service Families. On his return from Service Life, Maurice continued to develop his career and his involvement in Scouting, holding many posts in his District. He was a leading member of the ICI Mountaineering Club, inspiring colleagues to explore the mountains that he so loved. He even managed to persuade a few members to instruct on the County Scout Courses at Lochearnhead. In the 1960s he became involved in Hertfordshire Scouts growing involvement in developing mountaineering skills based 16
around our new County Adventure Centre at Lochearnhead. Following Melville Balsillie’s inspired decision to convert the disused station into the County Highland Headquarters, Maurice very soon became involved in the development and running of the training courses that have become a way of life now every Easter and Christmas. Along with his lifetime friend, George Moody, Maurice developed and shaped the courses to become interesting and meaningful to the ever questioning young people that attended. Maurice became the hub of the courses, organising them, publicising them, administering them and delivering them. Sometimes as Course Director (or Chief Instructor as we say) other times as Station Master (the person in charge of the admin of the courses) or, possibly in his favourite role, as Caterer. Nothing pleased Maurice more than to feed 80 or so hungry mouths with filling meals supplemented by his legendary soups or the fabled Lochearnhead bread pudding. The Leaders, especially, fully appreciated his wonderful curries that he learned to cook on his travels in National Service. During the 1970s, Maurice identified a wish for older Scouts to explore more adventurous places. He was instrumental in two expeditions to the Lofoten Islands in Norway, and, inspired by connections made through his working contacts at ICI, Maurice led a County Scout Expedition to Kashmir. A further expedition went to Turkey. All of these gave young people from Hertfordshire the opportunity to explore lands they had only read about and helped them make their dreams come true. Early in the 1980s Maurice’s work took him to Teesside as ICI restructured. Nevertheless, Maurice continued his involvement with Scouting and continued to mastermind the courses at Lochearnhead. He was aware that succession was a thing to be considered and he started a gradual process of training a number of people into taking on the key roles on the courses of Admin, Leadership and Catering etc. Many of us here today are products of that training. During this time, Maurice became aware of the new Ravenscroft bungalows in the village and he decided that one of them
would become an ideal home for him in his retirement. So East View was purchased and became his Highland Headquarters. His involvement in the courses continued and his commitment to spreading his knowledge amongst an increasing number of people went on. Now there is a strong team of people who are able to continue his work introducing the wonders of the hills to an ever increasing number of young people. Over his years in Scouting (60 of them were acknowledged by the Chief Scout in a Long Service Presentation made on 29th April 2014) Maurice gave excellent service at all levels of the movement. His recorded service reflects years working with Scouts, Venture Scouts and Leaders, and at County Level. His service has been recognised by awards such as the Medal of Merit, the bar to the Medal of Merit, the Silver Acorn, the bar to the Silver Acorn and the Silver Wolf which is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout and is only awarded for service of a most exceptional nature. This was presented to Maurice at Easter 2012 at a ceremony to mark the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the station at Lochearnhead. In addition, Maurice was awarded the Chief Scouts Commendation for Meritorious Conduct for his organisation and coordination of the rescue of an injured Scout during the first of the County Expeditions to the Lofoten Islands in 1971. Apart from the nationally recognised efforts and time that Maurice put into Scouting, there are many tales of the light hearted and fun times Maurice (and those around him) had whilst “doing our duty”! There are tales of hiding tea spoons in the flag before flag break to celebrate Melville Balsillie’s birthday on the 1st April, tales of inventing and teaching others in the skill of making strawberry snow by mixing jam with freshly fallen snow at high camp. Many of us who led on the Courses are guilty of having grease stains on our uniforms following late night bacon buttie treats without the caterer finding out. One of the most famous pranks is described by George Moody: “On one course at Christmas 1972, Maurice and I pulled the wool over everyone about a fake rescue. Gordon Wilson (a local Scottish leader) paid a short
visit and Maurice and I agreed that Gordon would phone one night at 8.15pm saying he was PC Watts at Crianlarich and could we get a couple of minibuses with people, and stretchers and meet at Lix Toll at 9pm for a rescue. We were just finishing our meal when Gordon phoned. I remember George Wilks, one of our senior leaders, telling me afterwards that he thought it was one of my pranks but when he saw Maurice putting on his climbing boots he thought it must be real as he only put them on if he was going out on the hills. When we reached Lix Toll I told them it was not for real! It cost me a lot for the beer afterwards!” Another tale from the County Expedition to Kashmir in 1975, tells of Maurice and George negotiating with the locals to purchase ten chickens for dinner. After much sign language and gesturing, a deal was struck. Only then did Maurice and George realise the chickens were still running around in the yard outside! After a lot of unsuccessful chasing around, something else was eventually decided on for dinner! Others can remember the night the chimney breast between the kitchen and the dining room at the Station caught fire. Sterling efforts by Scouts and locals together ensured that the damage was contained and the Station was not lost for ever. Maurice was part of the team that fought to save the Station. One of Maurice’s great inventions was “Station Time” where, at Christmas, everyone altered their clocks and watches to pretend that they were actually getting up in daylight rather than in the middle of the night. To this day, I still can’t work out how it worked. Maurice called the adjustment GMT (George Moody Time) shifting the blame to his long term friend! Maurice never (formally) learned to drive – although he told us stories of driving Lorries in the Army. This gave him the opportunity to become an expert in public transport and how to get from A to B by the shortest route, the cheapest route or the most scenic route! On Maurice’s retirement from work in 1992 he moved into East View on a permanent basis and became, very much, a prominent member of the local community. Having been the link between Hertfordshire
Scouts and the regular weekend users of the Station and the local community, we were now fortunate that our link was part of the local community. We have always been blessed by the support of the people of Lochearnhead and the surrounding area in what we do at the Station. Without their support and friendship, the life of the Station, quite simply, could not happen. The friendships developed in the early stages by Melville Balsillie have been considerably built on and strengthened by Maurice’s presence in the village and by his total commitment to become “one of you”. As an organisation, we are most grateful of the acceptance of us as part of your community. Maurice’s part in building those bonds is fundamental to that. We owe it to Maurice to make sure those bonds continue and grow as a lasting memory to him. Maurice has always held a significant role in the management of the Station being a member of the management committee and, in his time, being Chairman and Vice Chairman. One of Maurice’s key skills was to be able to engage with people of all ages. He always took an interest in the families of those who became regulars at the Station. He was like the Pied Piper as he went about his estate management jobs at the Station followed by a team of young children with wheelbarrows, rakes and the like! As time moved on, the recruits to his team became second and even third generation families! Although most of us recall Maurice as a fit and strong mountaineer, he suffered with his health in his final years. A minor stroke was followed by other health issues recently. However, he remained as a friendly welcoming presence around the village and on the Station. Unfortunately, the cancer that appeared late last year proved to be too strong even for his resolute personality. Maurice’s final days at the Strathcarron Hospice were a calm and fitting place for his time with us to come to a close. Maurice’s life can be captured by a true story from his last few days. One of our Leader Team, started life “on the Station” as a young Scout attending our
introductory Mountaineering Course. He was totally captivated by the experiences of being in the hills and by the tuition he received as part of one of Maurice’s courses. He returned again and again and eventually became one of our Mountaineering Leaders. This has materialised into a career with the BBC Scotland as an outdoor activities correspondent. He now lives in Aberfoyle, just down the road. When he heard of Maurice’s health problems, he called to see Maurice at home and then again at the Hospice. When he last saw Maurice at the Hospice, Maurice was at a point where he was lying still in his bed with his eyes closed. Nevertheless, Chris stayed with him and chatted away. When the time came to go, Chris said goodbye to which Maurice opened his eyes and said “thank you for coming.” As Chris said in an email, “what a gent!” To me, that captures everything Maurice did in his life. He gave young people a chance, helped to nurture and support them, recognised when they were able to go off on their own and celebrate their development whilst remaining watchful and to be there to help them when needed. Whilst all the time, remaining courteous and generous. What a gent indeed. As you have now heard, there are so many words that can be used to describe Maurice: Colleague, Leader, Inspiration, Mentor, Neighbour, Chef, Raconteur, Good Counsel... but above all, Friend. After the Funeral Service, his coffin was carried out of the Church to the waiting Hearse by five of Hertfordshire Scouts’ Mountaineering Leader Team, and Kevin, Maurice’s nephew. Following a very short journey to the burial ground, Maurice’s body was laid to rest amongst the hills that he loved. Although a sad day, it was a memorable and fitting send off to a well-loved man and Scout. Maurice, on behalf of everyone whose lives you have been part of, thank you for those moments that have changed our lives for the better. Sleep well, dear friend. GM 17
For Maurice It is a cold Monday morning as I leave home for the Lochearnhead Scout Station armed with contributions of soup and pud for the weekly winter BLS lunch club gathering. As I round the bend up to the Station, I see smoke rising from the chimney which means the fire is alight, the ‘Waiting Room’ will be ‘toastie’ warm and Maurice must have been up for hours. His usual greeting, wearing a somewhat The Scout Station, lugubrious expression, would be Lochearnhead ’...’Moaning!’ Not only was the fire lit - the tables were set up and laid, plates counted out and mugs put to warm. We were thoroughly spoiled. Maurice Baker wasn’t on our cooks’ rota; had he been, he would have found himself with a regular Monday job, as, after some Scouts had left a number of oranges one weekend, Maurice donned his ‘pinny’ and made us an enormous pan of Crêpes Suzettes a la Maurice, which were absolutely delicious and the best pud we’ve ever had. Maurice was also a great supporter of Balquhidder Summer Music. In the early days he cycled from Lochearnhead to Balquhidder and over the years, rarely missed a concert. He attended these concerts wearing his usual highly polished shoes; National Service training dies hard. There are many related incidences of Maurice’s acts of kindness and thoughtfulness and many more, I am sure, which were not told. Thank you and farewell to ‘a man o’ pairts’. May you rest in peace. Vera Stewart
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Callander Rambling Club Sponsored by Caledonian Country Wear
The Club consists of a group of enthusiasts who meet regularly throughout the year to participate in a programme of strolls, rambles, hill walks and a Long Distance Path. Details are published on incallander.co.uk/ ramblers.htm in the Ben Ledi View and on posters around Callander. New members and guests are always welcome. Here are some dates for your diary: April • Sat 7th: 8:30 am Ramble A Gullipen traverse (7 miles) Jane Jones •Wed 11th: 9:30 am Ramble Loch Katrine South Shore (7.5 miles) Keith & Pippa Wilson •Sat 14th: 8:30 am Hill Beinn Fuath (661m) Keith Wilson • Wed 18th: 9:30 am Stroll Manor Powis Barrels & Bridges (5 miles) Peter Mehta • Sat 28th: 8:30 am LDP RB7 - Comrie to Crieff (8 miles) Paul Prescott We meet in Ancaster Square, unless otherwise indicated. Please bring wet weather clothing, appropriate footwear and a packed lunch. And please let the walk leader know if you plan to join the walk via the contact number given! Visitors and non-members welcome.
National Park prepares to welcome campers as byelaws come back into effect Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is preparing to welcome campers to its lochshores as the second season of camping management byelaws come into effect on 1st March. The seasonal byelaws cover certain parts of the National Park between March and September. The byelaws were introduced in 2017 in order to protect some of the area’s most popular lochshores from environmental damage caused by the high volume of visitors and issues with antisocial behaviour from some campers going back a number of years. The byelaws create Camping Management Zones, covering less than 4% of the National Park,’ where, between March and September, campers need to camp in a designated camping permit area or a campsite. In 2017, more than 16,000 people camped in the new permit areas and the newly created low-cost campsite at Loch Chon. Feedback gathered from people who camped was extremely positive with 87% of those who responded said they would recommend staying in a permit area to others. The National Park Authority is reminding anyone coming to camp this season to be aware of the byelaws and plan their trip in advance. Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: “Camping is a great way to enjoy the National Park and we’re pleased with how things went last summer. The feedback we received through our online surveys and what the Rangers experienced from speaking to people face to face was overall very positive. “But we know that the camping byelaws are still relatively new so it’s important that we continue to make people aware of how they work and encourage them to plan ahead.” Feedback gathered throughout last season was used to fine-tune how the byelaws operated and that has continued over the winter months with changes being made on the ground and behind the scenes to further improve the experience for campers in 2018. Gordon Watson added: “We have continued to gather feedback from a broad range of people over the winter, including visitors, communities and partner organisations and are using that to inform how things work for 2018. “There will be some visible changes this year such as new pitch surfaces, better water facilities, and connectivity for online bookings at Loch Chon campsite.
There will also be some additional signage in places where people told us it was needed to make the Camping Management Zones clearer. “Work is also underway to build another new low cost campsite at Loch Achray in time for the peak summer season which will provide further low cost camping opportunities at this popular spot. “We’ve also made changes to our website and online booking system that will help improve the overall experience for people coming to camp.” The byelaws also cover irresponsible fire lighting, including cutting down trees and the removal of dead wood which is damaging to the environment and wildlife. Anyone planning to have a campfire should bring their own firewood and keep fires small, under control and away from tents and buildings. Wild camping, in accordance with the Outdoor Access Code, is still permitted outside of the Camping Management Zones. There are also a great range of private campsites throughout the National Park offering a full range of facilities. Mr Watson said: “We are committed to providing great camping experiences for everyone while at the same time protecting the Park’s unique environment for the future. We will continue to gather feedback and further improve things throughout this season and look forward to welcoming many more people to enjoy camping this summer.” Permit spaces for motorhomes are available at Firkin Point, Inveruglas and the Three Lochs Forest Drive in the Trossachs. Laybys can be used to stop and rest (including sleeping overnight if necessary), but should not be used for longer stays. To find out more and book a permit go to www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/ camping
Do you need an affordable home? Rural Stirling Housing Association aims to support local communities by providing quality homes at affordable rents for families, couples and single people in housing need. We currently have over 560 rented houses and flats. Around 40 of these become available for rent each year. We are in the process of building a further 23 flats in Callander and 12 flats & houses in Killearn. We currently have properties in the following communities: Aberfoyle • Doune • Kinlochard Stronachlachar • Balfron • Drymen Kippen • Tyndrum • Buchlyvie Gargunnock • Lochearnhead Callander • Gartmore • Strathblane Deanston • Killin • Strathyre We may be able to build in other communities in the future – please let us know if you want to live in a village that is not listed above. Information on local housing need and demand helps us plan for the future. If you are interested in renting one of our properties when they become available please contact us: Rural Stirling Housing Association Stirling Road, Doune FK16 6AA Telephone: 01786 841101 Email: enquiries@rsha.org.uk Registered as a Scottish Charity No. SC037849
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Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Community Council Minutes of a meeting held at The Broch, Strathyre on 21st February 2018 Please note that these minutes have not yet received formal approval and should be considered as a draft version only. Present: Richard Eastland (RE), David Johnston (DJ), Malcolm McNaughton (MM), Paul Hicks (PH). Apologies: Loraine Telfer, Karen Methven, Ruth McLusky, Adrian Squires, Angus Cameron. Billy Ronald (National Park). In attendance: Cllr Evelyn Tweed (ET), Michelle Flynn (MF), Theresa Elliot (TE), Stirling Council; PC Will Diamond (WD), Police Scotland; Mr Kenny Higgins, Strathyre. 1) Approval of Minutes It was proposed by DJ, and seconded by RE, that the minutes of the meeting on 10th January 2018 should be accepted, and this was approved unanimously. 2) Declarations of Interest None declared. 3) Police Report During the period from 9th January to 20th February, there were several incidents of note, as follows. On the 10th February, an incident occurred in the Glen Dochart forest at Glenoglehead. A deer stalker was out in the woods, having been legitimately shooting deer. As he was returning to his vehicle at the end of the day, someone else within the wood fired a rifle in his direction, within close proximity. The person who fired the rifle did not have permission to be shooting within the woods and it is believed that this person was on the land with the intention of deer poaching. Between the 24th January and the 1st February, a theft occurred at an address in Strathyre. Positive lines of enquiry were followed, which resulted in the perpetrator being reported to the Procurator Fiscal. There were several collisions during this period, owing to bad weather and drivers not adapting their driving to the conditions of the road. During the early hours of the 27th January 2018, a collision occurred on the A85 at Glen Ogle. The driver was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal. High visibility patrols and static road checks continued in order to deter and detect travelling criminals, given the recent thefts elsewhere in the local area. PC Diamond attended the National Hypothermia Conference on 14th January to look at current practice for dealing with hypothermic casualties. On Wednesday 24th January, he attended training with the NSPCC and all local primary school teachers, looking at identifying vulnerable children within our communities, and dealing with current issues such as internet safety. Then, on Sunday 4th February, along with colleagues, he attended a day of training for new, local water bailiffs. He has also attended several meetings looking at water safety and issues surrounding the winter weather and snow clearing. 4) Matters arising 4a) Professional Indemnity Insurance. PH reported having contacted Alan Milliken, Head of Communities and People for Stirling Council, regarding the question of establishing a separate legal identity for community councils. As a result, a meeting has been arranged for Tuesday 27th March between MM, PH, Margaret Wallace (Safer Connected Communities Manager) and Lynne McKinley (Team Leader, Community Engagement Team). MF commented that, provided decisions on such matters as planning applications were taken together, all members of the community council would be covered by the insurance provided by Stirling Council. However, members should bear in mind that objections to planning applications can only be raised on ‘material facts’. ET added that more information about planning law could be found at the ‘Planning Portal’ on the Stirling Council website. (Note from Secretary: Details of local planning applications can be found at a similar facility on the National Park website - under ‘Planning’.) 4b) Winter Maintenance. PH reported having submitted a summary of the community council’s comments (at its meeting on 10th January 2018) concerning the review of Stirling Council’s ‘winter service policy’. He had since received a reply from David Crighton, Service Manager for Roads and Land Services, and this had been circulated in full to members. WD added that he had recently attended a meeting with Council staff and the police regarding the policy. The question of best use of members of the Tayforth Machinery Ring had been raised and is now going to be reviewed specifically. ET agreed that things needed to change so that urgent action could be taken, when necessary, to clear local roads of snow and ice and prevent people being confined to their homes for extended periods. Further comment was then passed on the recent bad weather and the state of the roads. MM asked if there was a contingency fund to address the problem. ET commented that she had raised it with BEAR Scotland. They had stated that they were looking at raising the amount of money available to deal with potholes. KH mentioned that the road in Strathyre had recently been resurfaced, but that the new road had not been laid evenly with the kerb of the pavement, making it impossible to cross the road in a wheel-chair and difficult for people with push-chairs or shopping trolleys. The pavements are also in very bad condition. ET offered to raise this situation with BEAR. Action: ET to highlight problems of pavements in Strathyre and potholes generally with BEAR. 5) Bye-laws and clear-ways. There has been no further news of when the clearway legislation will take effect, but WD reminded members that the National Park bye-laws will resume again at the beginning of March. 6) Correspondence 6a) Bin collections in rural Stirling. PH reminded members of an email circulated during February from the chair of Callander community council, requesting feedback and comments from other community councils regarding the recent changes in the waste collection service. MM commented that the new service was generally pretty good. Some bins could be collected less often. MM said that the people on the ground probably know what works and what doesn’t. It would be helpful if managers could liaise more closely with their staff about practicalities on the ground. KH commented on the blue bins being very light and the problems that this caused with wind. ET commented that a review of the new system would be taking place soon. She also mentioned that information about cancelled or rescheduled bin collections is published on the Council website. 6b) Your Place - Your Priorities. PH advised members of a circulation to all community councils regarding a new fund for local communities to provide grants of between £500 and £10K for community projects that will benefit local people. Applications are required by Friday 16th March and presentations on each project will be given at two events on 24th March when those present will vote on which projects to support. A copy of the information has been sent to the BLS Trust. 7) Planning Matters 7a) Corriegowrie, Main Street, Strathyre. An application has been made for the installation of two ‘camping pods’ at this address. They would be placed at the rear of the property where each would occupy some 11.5 square metres. They would be connected to existing utility services (water, sewage and electricity) and access would be via an existing path, now owned by the BLS Trust. The Trust has been consulted about this and has no objections as the applicants have undertaken to upgrade the path itself as part of the work. There is also public space nearby for the parking of vehicles. It was agreed that no objections need be raised on behalf of the local community. 8) Matters From Councillors 8a) ET said that the problem with potholes was the most pressing issue at present and that she would be following this up with BEAR Scotland. 8b) The Council’s budget is currently under consideration and ET would like to see some changes to the way in which ìpriority-based budgetingî is being used. PH stated that public consultation had been excellent when the new process first began a couple of years ago, but this had reduced considerably over the past year. ET agreed that there were no longer any real options or choices being put to people and the process needed to be revised. PH added that a good feature of the new system had been a move away from the insistence that budgets should only last one calendar year. It was agreed, though, that the longer plans lasted, the less realistic they tended to be. 9) Any Other Competent Business 9a) Meeting venue in Balquhidder. KM has asked members to consider whether meeting at the Balquhidder Church Fellowship Room instead of using the Village Hall would be acceptable. This would help to keep the building in use and prevent its decline and potential loss to the village. It was agreed that a rotation of venues should be established, whereby both venues were used in turn. 9b) MF highlighted the Community Link Officer report that had just been circulated to community councils. She summarized its contents for those present and it was agreed that PH would circulate it to all members. MF also mentioned that she is going to be the link officer for a new initiative called ‘LinkAge’ and distributed some posters and leaflets that explained what it was about. Action: PH to circulate CLO report to members. There was no other business and, at 9:10 p.m., MM declared the meeting closed. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 4th April 2018 at Lochearnhead Village Hall.
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The Villagers’ Contacts Jill Johnston Editor Gardeners Cottage Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384227
Gill Waugh Production Manager Stronvar Farm Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384203
David Johnston Production Gardeners Cottage Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384227
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Lochearnhead Contact: Ali Ferguson 01567 830 405 St Fillans Contact: Isobel Howell 07876 031768 Strathyre Contact: Wullie Dalziel 01877 384 384 Mobile 07768 221661 Mail Order Distribution: Andrea Poulter 01877 384784
We e k l y A c t i v i t i e s Monday
Lunch Club - The Scout Station, Lochearnhead - 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Tuesday
Keep Fit - Lochearnhead Hall - 10.30 to11.30am Gaelic Playgroup - Balquhidder Hall - 10.30am to 12.30pm St Fillans Music Circle - Sandison Hall - 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Light lunch included. Contact John Light (01764 685307) / Malcolm Gregory (01764 670493). Country Dancing - St Fillans
Wednesday Yoga - Balquhidder Hall - 11.00am to 12noon (contact Ann Cobbett 01877 376291) Youth Club - Lochearnhead Hall - 7.00 to 9.00pm Thursday Darts League - The Inn & Bistro - 7.00pm Choir Occasional - Balquhidder Village Hall - 7.30-9pm (contact Gill Waugh 01877 384203) Playgroup - Lochearnhead Hall - 10.00am-12 noon (Contact Mel Brydie 01877 384668)
Friday
APRIL 2018
7 10 21 29 29
Strathyre Race Night - see page 5 AGM Lochearnhead - see page 2 Hidden Glen 10K - see page 11 Loch Earn Boat Race - see page 6 Ladies Lunch Strathyre - see page 5
MAY 2018 12 25-27 25-27
Race Night Lochearnhead - see page 2 Strathyre Music Festival - see page 4 Monachyle Festival Page - see page18
Stephen Kerr MP 49 Borestone Crescent, Stirling FK7 9BQ 01786 475034 Councillor Martin Earl Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET earlm@stirling.gov.uk 01786 233114 Councillor Evelyn Tweed Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET 01786 233101 Councillor Jeremy McDonald Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET 01786 233117
CHURCH SERVICES Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St. Fillans CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
Balquhidder Parish Church Registered Charity No. SCO12316
Sundays 11.30am Minister: Rev Dr Russel Moffat The Manse, Main Street, Killin FK21 8TN revmoffat@gmail.com Dundurn Church, St Fillans Sundays 11.30am Minister: Rev Graham McWilliams Tel: 01764 671 045
ROMAN CATHOLIC Callander, St Joseph the Worker Sundays 11.30am Saturday Vigil Mass 5.30pm from May through to September Killin, in the Episcopal Church Sundays 2.30pm Father Jim McCruden 2 Ancaster Square, Callander Tel: 01877 330 702
SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH St Angus’s Church, Lochearnhead 1st Sunday each month: 11.30am Communion 2nd Sunday 5.30pm Evensong 3rd Sunday 11.30am Communion 4th Sunday 5.30pm Evensong 5th Sunday (if applicable) 5.30pm FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A reflective time to discuss contemporary issues in a spiritual context
(Check with Rector for venue: 01764 655389)
Vestry Secretary - Maureen Lipscomb Tel: 01567 830234
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S U P P O RT Y OUR LOCAL S UP P LIERS !
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The national winners!
BLiSS Art Trail Wins National Trophy for Tourism Innovation A round of applause for Loch Earn Tourism Information for securing the coveted National Winner’s trophy for” Innovation in Tourism” at the 25th celebration of the Scottish Thistle Awards in Edinburgh on 15th March.
Kim and Fraser Proven accepted the national award from trophy sponsor GeoTourist at the glamourous event, on stage at the EICC with comperes Jennifer Reoch from STV and comedian Sanjeev Singh Kohli. LETi Chair Kim Proven said “What a night! I am delighted that LETi’s rural village businesses and communities have been recognised and rewarded for their creative contribution to Scottish Tourism. While it’s a pleasure to show off Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans villages, collaborating on innovative ideas can help to boost our local economy, all year round. We are proud of our friendly communities where everyone looks out for visitors and makes them feel welcome” Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards are the most coveted accolades in the tourism industry, celebrating quality, innovation and excellence across the industry. For 25 years the awards have recognised the significant value the sector contributes to the visitor economy and VisitScotland’s continued delivery underlines the organisations commitment to quality and success across the industry.” Meghan Haste also picked up the winner’s trophy for Venacher Lochside in the Best Informal Eating category.
Meghan and Kim
Thistle Award trophy