The Villagers May 2018

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Villagers

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This colourful drawing of the hills near Monachyle Mhor is by seven year old Ruby Douglas to celebrate the Year of Young People 2018.

Ruby, who is pictured here getting creative, will have her drawing added to LETi’s “BLISS future” pages on the website at www.robroycountry.com celebrating YOYP2018 (along with Iona Clark’s poem from last month). Well done, Ruby!

The Voice of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre & St Fillans • MAY 2018

Editor’s Bit News from all over the globe in this month’s edition! First of all, thanks to Ian for his account of cycling in Spain and this ‘Bit’ is coming from Perth (Oz) where their summer seems to be going on well into autumn...

I hope you all smiled at the lovely cover we have for you this month and our thanks to Ruby for drawing it for us. Our thanks also to Tabitha and Ossian for taking the time to write for us and being part of the Year of Young People. We hope more of you will join in over the next few months.

Our back cover is also extremely colourful and gives us a chance to congratulate Catriona and her Sula team for their award. Amazing how many diverse people win awards in the area covered by The Villagers - must be something in the water!

Catriona is a very important member of the team who put on the Stuc Race every year and will be busy at the weekend.

Sunshine will be welcome at most of the events happening in the next couple of months and we encourage all our readers to support the volunteers who work so hard to put on all the Festivals, Games and Ceilidhs.

Finally, a plea for contributions to our A Day in the Life Of... or next month there might be a blank page!

JJ

Artist Ruby ‘draws’ from the surrounding landscape of Balquhidder Big thanks to Ruby and her mum Sarah Douglas for sharing the lovely drawing on our front cover this month.

Sarah took Ruby up to Monachyle Mhor to spectate at the Hidden Glen 10k Run in April. Thank you Sarah for sharing this photo of Ruby in response to LETi’s request for input to Year of Young People 2018 in last months Villagers.

YOYP2018 celebrates 8-26 year olds.

Strathyre Primary school girl Ruby will be 7 this year - but LETi is happy to show off any young, future artist who is inspired by the magic of our village landscapes!

Did you receive a letter about LETi’s BLiSS future programme from the primary schools serving our villages? If you would like to take part please get in touch. Express any aspect of living, growing up, going to school, hobbies. achievments or working in this area via writing, poems, photos, drawings, video and more. Do get in touch as we would love to hear from some high school pupils - and anyone who is 18-26.

Contact KIm at briarinfo@btinternet.com 2

Farewell to Moira Thank you to everyone who helped make this a great farewell to Moira, our postie: to everyone who came, everyone who donated what became a virtual feast of finger food, to Monachyle Mhor for donating prosecco and wine and to Lorraine for the wonderful cake.

Moira, postie, post mistress of Balquhidder, Strathyre and Lochearnhead: Lochearnhead born and bred, the lady in red. She has trundled the highways and byways, the single-track lanes, the potholed roads and encountered marauding cows, pigs, dogs, cats, pheasant and sheep for more years than she cares to remember. She has been an explorer: seeking out newcomers as they arrive; a surveyor: watching as a new-build adds another stop on her round; a historian: noting the coming and going of familiar faces and new arrivals, of the tumbling down of old haunts and the emptying of houses which once held the lives of people she saw every day. She has been a survivor: battling floods and landslides, snow drifts and hail storms to bring us our post. A woman of letters and increasingly parcels, staggering up uneven paths to deliver our heavyweight of Amazon orders.

And of course, she has been a social worker, a care visitor, always there to check up on and catch up with our more house-bound neighbours.

There are stories. Some of which we will never hear because Moira has always been discreet. We will never know who gets up late, who leaves their dirty dishes until morning, who wears threadbare pyjamas and who likes a tot of whisky before noon.

Moira’s lips are sealed. But she holds a bit of each of our stories: of exam results, a long-awaited cheque, a surprise present, a bundle of sympathy card. She knows the magazines we get, what papers we read, how often we hear from relatives and friends from far away. Moira has brought us our tax demands, our bank statements, our birthday cards and our get-well wishes.

There are some tales to tell. Of the day Moira took pity on Charlie Methven’ collie.

Betty, gamely curtailing its bid for freedom, and driving it back to Auchleskine, only to discover later that Charlie had spent a heart-weary afternoon trying to find his favourite dog who had been working with him at Gart. Or the day her little van developed an unusual squeak, the cause of which was only revealed when Moira found herself staring into the baleful eyes of Margaret Ritchie’s cat now relocated to the passenger seat. There was the day you knocked at the Hunters’ door and asked Charlie to go back with you to Alan Hulme’s house when he hadn’t responded to your knock and was, as you had feared, to be found sitting in his chair, having died peaceably that morning. You were often the first to notice that all was not well – curtains still drawn, no answer to the doorbell, the previous days’ letters still lying where you had left them – the first alert to illness, always keeping a weather-eye open for all our well-being.

Moira has been a link to our world, to each other, she connected us and we will miss her more than she will ever know. We wish her lie-ins; joy in looking at snow clouds and fast falling rain; contented to know that someone else is out there delivering the post while she can put the kettle on for another cup of tea. Stoical, caring, evercheerful, intrepid Moira. You will always have a special place in the history of here.

Clare Hunter

Friends, family and colleagues gathered together at Balquhidder Hall on 6 April to wish Moira The Post ‘all the best’ as she retires with husband Dougie. Cheers!

The fabulous spread was provided by everyone who came. Pictured left is the amazing Moira Cake - made by Lorraine Telfer

Ceilidh and Hog Roast Midsu mmer Dance Party

to celebrate the 20th Birthday of Balquhidder Hall

Saturday 23rd June 2018 tickets £12 • for details visit http://balquhidderhall.wixsite.com/ balquhidderhall or contact the Ed!

‘The Mhor Run’

Two runners in this prestigious race give their own accounts I really enjoyed the Mhor run - because not only did I get to run, but I also got to hang out with my friends.

When the horn went I was telling myself to really do my best, so I did, I had so much energy and enthusiasm! When I was near the end, my friends and family were cheering me on and my Dad shouted “come on Tabbie, you can do it “and that helped me push on to the finish line.

When I got to the finish line the man with the microphone asked my name and then he said it on the microphone and said I was the first girl! and in that moment I felt so proud of myself and I got a big hug from my Dad and congratulated by my friends. I congratulated Ossian because he came first boy in the race and after I had the best fish and chips in the world!

Tabitha Mackenzie Last Saturday we did the Mhor run. At first I got very nervous because there were some massive people in front of me. When they blew the horn I was fine. It was a 1000m race and we had to run around a cone and back. When I got close to the finish line every one was cheering - my mum, friends and grandparents. I ran as fast as I could to the end and put my head forward so I got an extra half second.

The guy said “what is your name?” and I said “Ossian.” In the future I want to do the hidden glen 10k run. I go to central athletics in Callander every Tuesday - it is great fun. My friend Tabitha won First for girls and I won First for boys. We both got a £10 voucher for Run For It. Ossian Arkotxa 3

KILLIN and DISTRICT

Volunteer Car Scheme For several years now the Patient Participation Group connected to Killin Medical Practice have been working away at trying to get a better transport service for patients needing to get to medical services, including hospitals and the Killin Surgery. As a result Stirling Council has given a grant to enable a volunteer car scheme to be developed for patients in the Killin, Lochearnhead, Ardeonaig, Tyndrum and Crianlarich areas to improve the patient experience.

We are at a very embryotic stage and although we have formed a small committee, we are still looking for people to come forward, to either become a Trustee, help with co ordinating the project, become a driver, support us with fundraising and we have yet to find a treasurer.

If you feel that you would be interested in joining us or for more information please contact Don Fraser on 01567 820690 or dfraser3610@gmail.com.

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.

Spring hasn’t quite materialised yet - still 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.

As the Summer season gets underway, hotel residents 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 hosted by the Clachan.

Our stunning setting provides the perfect backdrop for those all important videos or photos.

Deluxe bedrooms • Clachan bar • Rowan restaurant Canoes/boat trips or bikes available • now showing all SKY sports in the bar

Indian ChampissageTM Scotland

Ayurvedic Treatments Head Massage ~ Kansa Vatki Foot Massage ~ Natural Facelift Massage ~ Rejuvenating Neal’s Yard Organic Facials

Weekend Head Massage Certificate/ Diploma Courses in Balquhidder GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Also award-winning ethical, organic NEAL’S YARD beauty products

www.indianchampiscotland.com 07796 327765 4

Strathyre Music Festival

Fundraiser Easter Saturday - a big success!

Strathyre News

Cancer Research UK, Callander Branch, will be setting up a stall in the Market Square during the Strathyre Music Festival on the last weekend in May. A wide selection of gifts, cards, clothes, bric-a-brac etc will be available to buy along with information on how YOU can help at the Callander Branch – some examples are volunteering (even and hour a week is helpful), donating your pre-loved clothes, toys, music, DVDs or books. All donations are gratefully received and profitably sold on. Why not pay me a visit while enjoying the music.

Many thanks, Mary McDiarmid

Many thanks to all those who attended our fundraiser in the Village Hall. It was a great success and our special thanks to Midtown Riot who were indeed a Riot and entertained us throughout the evening. Midtown Riot will be headlining on Saturday at this year’s Festival.

On the night itself, we were also able to celebrate Suzie’s birthday with her. A fundraiser and Birthday on the same night, must be a first for Strathyre.

As the Festival is self supporting these fundraisers are an integral part of ensuring the Festival continues and we need as much support as possible.

The money raised on the night was most welcome as our operating costs have increased dramatically this year. A large part of our revenue over the Festival Weekend is generated from the revellers at “The Balvaig Bar”. With this in mind, can I call upon on you all to drink well but as always responsibly; preferably at “The Balvaig Bar”.

Please note the Festival Program which includes the full line up is now available in the Village Shop: price £1.

I was also wandering if there is anybody out there who would be interested in providing security during the night when the Marquee is not in use. I already have one person but require one other. We offer good rates and and a hearty breakfast at The Broch Café when the shift finishes in the morning. Interested?

Please email me at mike@balvaig.co.uk for full details.

Anyway, this is all for now; see you all on Festival Weekend 25th-27th May. Mike Keeney, Chairman Strathyre Music Festival

Stuc Race Fund Raiser raises more than a smile!

The Stuc committee held their annual fund raising race night in the White Stag Inn on Saturday 7th April and as always, was a huge success, raising £1048 on the night.

This will be a real boost to our funds and will allow us not only to continue with the best race in Scotland, but help with the expensive costs involved with the ongoing refurbishment of the recreation grounds, which are very much underway as I write this.

The work we are undertaking at this moment will not allow us full use of the grounds by the time the race comes, but hopefully by the height of summer the new grass will have set - and the area as a whole will start to look the part.

The committee would very much like to thank all the local businesses who sponsored each race and everyone who contributed to the auction lots; to those who bought horses and of course, most importantly, to everyone who supported us on what was a most enjoyable evening. The race night takes place each year through the generosity of these people and the very hard work of the dedicated committee members.

A big thank you to Steve and staff of The White Stag for looking after everyone on the night and the most welcome “nibbles” that appeared on the bar, to our four “Lady Bookies” who took the bets, and the technical team who kept things flowing through the evening.

By the time this reaches the public the race will be upon us - but if you wish to help in any way please just come along on the day. We would be grateful for any help you can give... bring the “weans “if it helps.

2019 will be our 30th anniversary - so it will be a very special year. And with any luck we may have a championship race - watch this space!

Wullie D (on behalf of the committee)

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

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St Fillans Bit

Update on St. Fillans 2018 Festive Weekend Preparations for this year’s St Fillans Festive Weekend are well underway, the dates being set for 18th and 19th August. However, the Festive Committee is also working on an extra event which, if it can be made to happen, will be held on the evening of Friday 17th August. This is still in the early planning stages and is therefore at the moment remaining ‘top secret’!

However, we can reveal that our Saturday Evening entertainment will feature a US 1950s feel, with a touch of Country. Our live act will be The Rocka Hillbillies from Edinburgh. You can check them out on YouTube but our ‘on the ground’ spies reported back very favourably promising us all a lively Saturday Night. Stetsons and boots are optional, but if the mood takes you, go for it! Remember though, St Fillans is a peace-lovin place so you must check your guns at the door! A Western theme will also feature during the Saturday Afternoon Games.

It has been a few years since we featured Jazz, so on the Sunday we are looking forward to welcoming back an old favourite - The Allander Jazz Band who have expanded to include a lady they describe as Scotland’s “best in the business” jazz singer.

Sunday’s delicious buffet will again (by popular demand as measured by our recent online survey) be provided by the Tullybannocher Restaurant, so we hope this will all make for a very enjoyable afternoon.

Please note the dates in your diary or devices. Tickets will be available from the Festive Committee about a month before the event.

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A plan to restore the Drummond Arms Hotel On Tuesday 17th April I was one of over eighty St Fillans residents who packed into the village hall to hear about potential plans to save The Drummond Arms Hotel from falling into ruin. As the audience assembled there was a sense of anticipation as Mr Steve Marlow from Glen Quaich Distillery had prepared a presentation.

Mr Marlow opened by highlighting how the Drummond Arms Hotel is the seminal building of the village. For those who don’t know the building, it comes into view as you enter St Fillans from the east end, and as the road bears right you are treated to the magnificent view of Loch Earn and The Drummond Arms immediately on your right hand side. Since I’ve been in the village (coming up for 14 years) it has had several owners. In my early days in the village it was a lively and vibrant place, however, in recent years it has not had the love and attention it deserves. As a consequence it has been allowed to fall into disrepair, culminating last year in a fire that has set it back further. Many (if not all) of the villagers of St Fillans are keen to see it brought back to its former glory.

So back to the evening of 17th April. Mr Marlow presented his vision for the hotel to turn it from its present form, as a non functioning brewery, to a small boutique distillery. This would be called Glen Earn distillery which would have a visitor experience, ten high end ensuite rooms, along with lounge bar, shop and crannog style terrace bar on the loch side. Following his presentation, the audience were invited to comment and ask questions. The discussion lasted a good 45 minutes and ranged from any local impact regarding smells, noise and extra traffic (all minimal) to the benefit to the community (restoring a listed building).

Overall, the questions focussed on the immediate impact of many of those adjacent to the building. It was good to see a healthy debate and I was heartened by the quality of the answers provided and the extent of the professionalism with which the proposal had been put together. It all seems very credible.

Afterwards I managed to speak to many of those assembled who all said to me that they liked the idea and thought it would be great for the village. For now, time will tell if Mr Marlow is able to secure the site and be able to implement his vision.

I, for one, wish him well and look forward once again to a thriving establishment at the centre of our community.

Prof Steve Howell St Fillans resident

Photo by Mr S Marlow

The

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:

Secret Library!

There is a well kept secret library in the village of St Fillans that is welcoming local villagers to come and enjoy the benefits of thumbing through paper pages at their leisure.

The Four Seasons Hotel has had a library at the hotel for many years that has taken the format of “borrow one and return another”. Previously this has very much been for the use of hotel guests but it is now opening up its doors to the local community to enjoy.

The library is reminiscent of “Hogwarts” and offers an eclectic collection of books to cater for all ages and tastes and is a perfect way for parents to spend an hour or so with their children.

Visitors should not feel under any obligation to spend whilst in the hotel, Susan would just like the facility to be enjoyed by all but grown-ups may enjoy the library more with a hot chocolate or a brandy!

Staff at The Four Seasons Hotel look forward to welcoming guests to the hotel.

Bakin’...

Here’s a recipe from Zelda Roberts at the Achray Hotel:

Orange Cinnamon Potato Cake (wheat-free)

Zest and juice of ½ orange 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon 400g mashed potato 150g unsalted butter (and extra to grease the cake tin) 200g caster sugar 4 medium eggs 100g ground almond 1 Tbsp baking powder Icing sugar to dust

MAY • Wed 2 9:30 Ramble: Glen Dochart to The Kingshouse (7miles) Contact 01877 330169 • Wed 9 9:30 Stroll: Around Dunning (41/2miles) Contact 01877 330062 • Sat 19 8:30 Hill: Beinn na Lap (incl train) (937m) Contact 01786 825877 • Sat 26 8:30 LDP TLW1 – Balloch to Helensburgh (81/2miles) Contact 01877 330032 JUNE • Sat 2 8:30 Hill: The Cobbler (884m) Contact 01877 382924 • Wed 6 9:30 Stroll: Achray Ramble (5miles) Contact 01877 382617 • Wed 20 9:30 Ramble: In & Around the Blane Valley (8miles) Contact 01877 330446 • Sat 23 8:30 LDP: TLW2 - Helensburgh to Garelochhead (9miles) Contact 01877 330032 JULY • Wed 4 9:30 Stroll: Dam Walk Circular (6 miles) Contact 07785 703124 • Sat 7 8:30 Hill: Ben Cruachan (1126m) Contact 01877 339080 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.

Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line a 20cm cake tin with greaseproof paper.

Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Mix eggs into butter mix, one at a time.

Stir in orange zest and juice. Add cinnamon, ground almond, mashed potato and baking powder, and stir gently until mixed.

Transfer mixture to cake tin and bake for 1 hour and 15 mins, until a knife or skewer comes out clean. Let cool for 5 mins, before removing from the tin. Leave on a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar (and some zest if preferred). Slice and enjoy!

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Scottish Wildlife Trust:

Scotland’s Amazing Seas Did you know that the coastline of our small island is 11,000miles long? That Scotland has 10% of Europe’s coastline, 800 islands and is home to 45% of Europe’s seabirds? This set the scene for a fascinating talk to SWT in March by Tara Proud of Marine Conservation UK on the amazing cetaceans around Scotland. Of 20 possible species, 7 are commonly seen. Unfortunately, it is impossible to talk about them without including the threats and impact of plastic.

The basking shark (8m) is the second largest living fish, filtering minute plankton from gallons of water scooped into its huge mouth.

Commercially hunted worldwide, the population of basking sharks around the shores of Coll & Tiree may now be the most important in the world. From April to Sept/Oct their dorsal fins may be seen as they feed (bask) near the surface; take a day trip on the ferry from Oban!

Humpback whales (17m) are distributed globally but not commonly seen in the UK. However, in January a pod of 3 was spotted in the Forth and photographed against a backdrop of Edinburgh castle!

However, even these giants are prone to becoming tangled in fishing nets and creel lines.

Minke whales (9.8m) can be seen around the Hebrides and the Minch but dead ones show the effect of ingesting plastics or tangling in fishing lines.

Orcas, aka Killer whales, (9.8m) with a huge dorsal fin, have been seen in small numbers off Fair Isle, Dunnet Head and Skye. These top predators accumulate pollutants from the food chain which are stored in their blubber then passed in milk to the young. PCBs were banned in the 1970s but are very stable compounds and still around.

Although sub-lethal, they are responsible for the infertility of all 10 of the west coast’s fated pod.

The long-finned pilot whale (6.5m), with its distinctive blunt head, is very sociable and prone to mass stranding, possibly due to severe weather conditions but man-made sub-marine noise pollution may be disorienting.

Cuvier’s beaked whales (7m) are open ocean whales so rarely encountered but one stranded recently on Skye had to be euthanized as it was severely emaciated due to 30 plastic bags twisted around its guts.

Bottlenose dolphins (3.9m) are very active at the surface, sometimes even playing in the bow-wave of boats. They are widely distributed with sightings almost guaranteed at Torrey battery (Aberdeen), Chanonry Point or Spey Bay SWT reserve.

Harbour porpoises (1.9m) are our smallest cetacean and in steep decline. Different from dolphins, they are slow swimmers, stay well away from boats and are generally inconspicuous apart from a small humped back.

In addition to cetaceans we may also get Leatherback turtles, the largest in the world, to 180cm long & 500kg. They breed in warm Caribbean waters but are not cold-blooded so can migrate into cool waters. Their diet is mainly jellyfish and cartilage spikes in the mouth help to hold the slimy food. Unfortunately, this makes them very vulnerable to ingesting plastic bags that fill their stomachs and prevent feeding.

So, incredible creatures live in our coastal waters but all under threat due to pollution of their home with chemicals and plastics.

In heavy rains many combined sewage overflow pipes release untreated sewage into rivers and the sea. Plastic rubbish that isn’t ingested directly is broken down into microplastics whose surfaces can absorb toxic chemicals. These are now found throughout the marine food chain, including fish.

You can help; support MCUK, report cetacean sightings, help with beach cleans, join campaigns to reduce pollution plus reduce, re-use & recycle your own plastics. See https://www.mcsuk.org and https:// www.nature.scot/plants-and-animals/mammals/marine-mammals/ dolphins-whales-and-porpoises.

Lesley Hawkins 8

Humpback whale in the Firth of Forth...

The distinctive pointed face of Cuvier’s ‘beaked’ whale...

Bottle-nosed dolphins...

Largest turtle in the world - the amazing Leatherback...

... and they are all under threat from...us.

Musings from the Manse Balquhidder Church Life: A gift and a trust

A note from

St Angus’s

I hate shopping. I loathe the crowded, overheated shops and the sore feet.

I always get a twinge of guilt when I hear about the plight of the high street shops because I shop on Amazon.

Last week I ran out of sticky tape; I ordered it online, paid a sensible price and hey presto it was on my doorstep next morning. Nowadays we live in the “instant” age - we want and we expect instant results. Well, I’ve recently been re-reading the story of two sisters who sent for Jesus and begged Him to heal their brother who was dangerously ill. They wanted Him to come immediately but Jesus was busy and delayed. When He eventually arrived at the sister’ home their brother had been dead for three days, the sisters were distraught and Jesus himself was so upset by their grief that He too shed tears. For Jesus death was no more than a sleep, a rest before the real life began. As we know, Lazarus, the brother, was restored to life – temporarily.

What I’m trying to say, I suppose, is that our idea of time doesn’t seem to be God’s idea. Similar things happen every day – people pray for miracles to save lives and to save disasters and no miracles occur. Of course our physical bodies must die but this story demonstrates to me that Jesus’ friends cannot truly die.

If you don’t claim to be a friend of Jesus then you may think this is rubbish. But can you be sure..?

Lazarus

As I write this, spring has finally sprung! The sun has been shining, the air is warmer, the birds are chirping and the lambs are leaping in the fields. The snow has not completely gone from the mountains but it soon will.

It has been a long, long, winter. They say that “Spring is when the sun smiles at the earth and the earth smiles back.” Aw…nice! Now I do know I’m in serious trouble of losing my rock and roll street cred with sentimental guff like this but I do mean most of it. Honest!

Spring brings the promise of days to come and the joy of saying “yes” to life in its wonderful richness. It is a time that reminds us that it is good to be alive. It is a time that lifts the spirits, feeds the soul and warms the heart. Well that is, if we are tuned in and don’t miss it in the midst of our busyness, distraction, worry and stress. As in all things it is perspective that matters.

There is a story of a school teacher who, having outlined the seven wonders of the ancient world, asked her class to list seven wonders of the modern world.

The answers that came back were sorted out and the list was - 1/Pyramids 2/ Taj Mahal 3/Grand Canyon 4/Panama Canal 5/Empire State Building 6/St Peter’s Basilica 7/The Great Wall of China. However, the teacher noticed that one pupil hadn’t handed hers in. When asked about this, the girl responded by saying that she had different items from everyone else and seemed a little embarrassed and awkward. Nonetheless the teacher asked if she could have a look at the girl’s suggestions. The list was - 1/To see 2/To hear 3/To touch 4/To taste 5/To feel 6/To laugh 7/To love. Now doesn’t that have a “word in season” for us!

The Bible states we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14). If you want to see a thing of wonder look in a mirror. No, I’m not being funny - I am completely serious. The person you see looking back at you is a unique and incredible one off! No one has exactly the same DNA as you, or the exact same finger prints and your face would be picked out of a large crowd by those who best know and love you. Finally, no one has exactly the same personality as you either…for good or ill!!

None of us asked to be born and we had no say in it (well not consciously anyway!) but here we are responding to the incredible reality that is all around us. Life is a given to which we respond. Changing the word slightly we can also say that life is a gift; a precious gift indeed. It is something we receive; something we appreciate (or not); something we use productively or squander or take for granted; something we can treasure, nurture, relish and most importantly, enjoy. The ball is in our court!

The great thing about spring is it marks a turning point in the seasons and no matter our long, hard and severe the winter has been the earth is awake with new life and new possibilities. This surely is an apt metaphor for us. Often we go through “winter” periods in our lives through illness or tragedy or trials and difficulties. Sometimes it seems we are in a long tunnel and we can’t see any light at the end of it. Yet as they say, “hope springs eternal in the human breast.” Spring eventually comes round in some form or another for us and new beginnings take place or new courage, energy and patience is found to be joyful and hopeful even in the midst of challenge and difficulty.

If life is a gift then it is also a trust. We are responsible for making the most of this trust. Learning to live life to the full in a productive and unselfish way is both an art and a science. Here we need all the help we can get. The key is learning to transform “Information into knowledge: knowledge into wisdom; and wisdom into action.” Ancient philosophy and religion saw their roles as enabling people to do just that. I believe that the Christian tradition has a lot to offer in this regard. Why not check it out?

In the meantime, enjoy springtime and may it speak to your own situation with both challenge and encouragement.

Russel

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Pin-Feathers*

*Once in demand by Victorian miniaturists, the tiny pinfeather 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 congratulates himself on being at the right place at the right time to record a strange and wonderful sight.

Have a close look at my photograph for this month. A strange creature. Some of you who might be familiar with the countryside will recognise a very rare sighting of this animal. It was only after much research and studying of the image that it was confirmed to be a very rare sighting indeed of a Vulpus Nutkin, probably just out of hibernation.

It has been conclusively proved that they only appear in this form for a few hours each springtime, having just emerged from a long winter hibernation.

These animals lead a rather ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ sort of life: sometimes morphing into one thing and then another. But an image of one in this ‘combined’ state is almost unheard of. Their diet can be quite varied, ranging from nuts and seeds to spring buds - and often peanuts and other food from bird table feeders.

At other times they become almost totally carnivorous with a great taste for free range chickens, new born lambs, pheasants and small rodents, not to mention scavenging from urban waste bins. Indeed, it is not unknown (whilst in

‘Vulpus Nutkin’

this state) for them to compromise a domestic cat that may be a wee bit “gleg o’ the uptack”.

As mentioned above, recorded sightings are extremely rare. It was only by great good fortune that I was in the right place at the right time - and with camera at the ready.

April the first, I think it was.

Old Nyati

Processions Get Involved in an Extraordinary Event on June 10th 2018 Processions is going to be an amazing, memorable, nationwide gathering of women to celebrate the centenary of the suffragettes’ eventual success in winning women the vote. Organised by the arts company Artichoke, which creates breathtaking events around the country, the idea is to have four simultaneous processions of women and girls in the country’s capital cities: Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London - on June 10th 2018.

Over ten thousand women have already signed up to take part and, with a hundred specially commissioned 10

processions. co.uk banners from artists and communities, and with plans to distribute tabards in the purple green and white of the suffragette colours to create a moving ribbon of colour through the city streets, it promises to be spectacular.

Individuals and groups are all welcome to join in this special day. And, if you would like, you can make a small banner or pennant to carry that captures the spirit of your own community, or celebrates women’s achievements in the last one hundred years. The suffragettes carried over eight hundred banners on their rallies, and in Scotland’s largest

procession in 1910, women walked down Princes Street, with their champion Flora McKinnon Drummond leading the way on horseback, wearing a massive tartan sash. None of the banners women made to carry that day have survived, so it’s time for some new ones. I’ve been involved in Processions as Artichoke’s banner adviser and you can see the banner toolkit I designed on its website. Go to it to register your interest and find out what other communities are doing for the day!

Clare Hunter

SEEING STARS

by Keith Wilson

May brings a feast of planets for you to find in the night sky but you will have to stay up late to see them.

First to find is Venus, dazzling in the north west after sunset. If you then look in the opposite direction you will find another bright planet, Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. If you have binoculars or a small telescope you should be able to spot up to four of Jupiter’s moons orbiting the planet.

If you stay up into the early hours and look to the south-east you will see glorious Saturn, but don’t expect to see its rings unless you have a telescope. By 3am your final planet for the night should be visible - the red planet Mars, again in the south-east. Mid-May is the best time to see the four planets as no bright moon will be around.

Broadband Update After the ‘official’ launch of our service on 23 March, with a dozen houses now connected, it’s been a busy month for media coverage, talking with other projects who want to learn from our experience and actually getting stuff done.

Some good news is that our distribution cabinet (pictured above) is now in place at the village hall, ready for the fibre from Stronvar; we’re pretty much all the way to Muirlaggan on the south side of Loch Voil - and well on the way to Dhanakosa on the north. With the properties at Ballinluig planned for connection around 11 May, steady progress is being made.

A hold-up at the moment is a continuing wrangle with the Council over the bridge crossings we need at Stronvar (to get to the village hall) and Calair (to get to Gart and Stronslaney). These crossings were signed off months ago, but every time we try to get started, someone else sticks their oar in. We’re now hoping to get Stronvar Bridge crossed in the first week of May and Calair as soon as possible thereafter.

With working parties most weekends and continuing good work by our project managers, Stuart and Andrew, our momentum is being maintained. It would be even better if we ever got some dry weather to work in.

RH

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BOOK REVIEW

Conclave

Robert Harris We were going on holiday and as my husband doesn’t always like my choice of books I bought this for him to read while we lazed by the pool. While I like to prolong the joy of reading a good book and dip in and out of it, once in a good book he will read it in one sitting.

This is the effect Conclave had on him and I have to admit me too. It would not be my normal choice for a good read but that is the great thing about recommendations from others, which this was. Having started out as a political journalist, Robert Harris knows his stuff, the Pope is dead and this book is all about the secret and lengthy process of finding his replacement. This will not be an easy task for Cardinal Lomeli the man chosen to administer the voting.

He doubts his own abilities, but proves himself to be up to the task as all the cardinals arrive at the Vatican from all corners of the world. They each have their own secrets and ambitions and politics. We all know that the tradition of seeing white smoke emerging from the Vatican chimney signifies that a new Pope has been chosen, however Harris describes how this decision is arrived at, this alone is a fascinating insight into a secret world. Behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, the process seems laborious but has been the tradition for hundreds of years. Harris’s description of the process is anything but laborious as with each vote a new rivalry or revelation is exposed and the tension rises with time running out. But the fact is that over the next 72 hours one of them will become the most powerful spiritual figure on earth. This is a super read and had me gripped as the drama is played out to the very last word.

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Two Musical Events

on Saturday 16th June

at St Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Killin Please come and support two events which link with the Killin Music Festival Weekend – they promise to be fun - and they’ll lift your spirits!

Come and Try Ukulele Workshop

Organ Recital - 20th May Christopher Nickol is currently the organist and Music Director at New Kilpatrick Parish Church. He has a diverse career outwith the Kirk as a teacher, recitalist, conductor and accompanist. He has performed with many of Scotland’s major choirs and orchestras, and plays frequently at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery. His repertoire includes an imaginative mix of contemporary pop culture pieces with the classics. He has given recitals throughout the UK and overseas, broadcast on BBC Radio and TV, and has recorded five CDs. Reserve a place by email to concerts0310@ yahoo.co.uk or online 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.

It was Christopher who played the touching David Bowie tribute at the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow on the morning of the star’s death

A fun and interactive workshop with Lorna Swan and Elenor Macdonald. You will be surprised by what you will be able to do at the end!! Maximum 8 participants.

Ukuleles provided. Saturday, 16th June, 1.30 till 2.30 at St Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Main Street, Killin (The Tin Church opposite the McLaren Hall) Minimum age 11, no upper age limit.

Tickets £4. To reserve a space please contact mrsebarrie@yahoo.co.uk.

Performance of Scottish folk music singing

with some audience participation!

Join Elenor Macdonald (guitar, vocals and hammered dulcimer) and Lorna Swan (fiddle, and clarsach) at St Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Main Street, Killin (the Tin Church opposite the McLaren Hall), 3.00 to 4.30 on Saturday, 16th June 2018. Tickets £8 at the door refreshments included.

William Wallace signs up to become a friend of The National Wallace Monument

Local Board Member Elections: Make a difference to your National Park

Mr William Wallace from St Andrews is welcomed as a member of the National Wallace Monument by staff member Rebecca Irvine

Mr William Wallace, from Mount Melville, St Andrews, becomes one of the first friends of Stirling’s famous landmark, The National Wallace Monument, as it officially launches its membership programme.

The namesake of the Scottish hero that the Monument commemorates joined the newly launched membership scheme that gives visitors the opportunity to pay admission once and enjoy visiting as many times as they wish over the next 12 months.

William Wallace commented: “I am proud to share a name with a Scottish icon and to be invited to become a member of the important landmark.”

Visitors can follow the ‘Wallace Way’ up to the 220ft tower and discover more about Stirling’s fascinating history, told through a collection of exciting woodcarvings. In the Monument itself they can trace the story of Wallace’s life and legacy in three galleries, one of which features his legendary battle sword.

On the third-floor visitors are able to discover the facts and figures behind the building of the Victorian tower and children can build their own miniature version of the Monument before reaching the Crown – which offers breath-taking 360-degree views across central Scotland and the Highlands to the North.

A top visitor attraction, The National Wallace Monument also features the family-friendly Legends Coffee House and free onsite car parking.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is looking for nominees to stand in elections to sit on the National Park Authority Board.

The National Park Authority Board is responsible for making strategic decisions for the Park and has an important part to play in helping to deliver the Authority’s key aims. Elections will be taking place via postal vote later this year to recruit five Board members – one for each of the five wards in the Park. The election count will take place on Thursday 5 July 2018 and those elected will take up their posts as Board members immediately after the result.

Anyone over the age of 21 years old can stand as a candidate in these elections and candidates do not have to live in the National Park area but must have the written support of 10 people who live in the ward in which they wish to stand.

Board members act as champions for the National Park, providing direction and overseeing the development, approval and monitoring of important plans and strategies. The National Park is a special place which is of major significance to the people who live and work in the area, as well as to Scotland as a whole.

Convener of the National Park Authority, James Stuart, is keen to encourage nominees from a wide range of people. He said: “This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the National Park and we are looking for individuals who can bring their experience and perspective to help influence priorities and make key decisions.

“It is important to us that our Board membership reflects not only our local communities but the country as a whole, to ensure that people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are represented. We offer full training to all those elected to help them carry out their duties and we are also holding drop-in events over the coming weeks to offer anyone thinking of standing the opportunity to ask for help and guidance on how to be a candidate.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in standing for election to either come along to these drop-in events or get in touch with us to find out how they can help protect and enhance this iconic place” The drop-in events will take place at the National Park Authority Headquarters in Balloch on 19th April from 4.30pm – 7pm and on the 23rd April from 2.30pm – 4.30pm where there will be the opportunity to find out how to become a candidate.

The National Park Authority Board is made up of five locally elected members, six local authority appointments (from the four local authorities present in the National Park: Argyll & Bute, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire and Perth and Kinross), and six ministerial appointments. To find out more about our Board visit www.lochlomondtrossachs.org There is a dedicated page on our website about the Board elections which will be regularly updated with information on the election process and advice and support for those looking to stand as a candidate - www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/elections Nomination packs will be available from Thursday 10th May 2018. If you wish to stand as a candidate for election, download a nomination pack at www.lochlomondtrossachs.org/elections or pick one up from any of the designated locations.

Completed nominations must be returned to the relevant office no later than 4pm on Thursday 31st May 2018.

In the event of a poll (where more than one candidate stands), ballot papers will be issued to all eligible voters on or around Thursday 14th June 2018 and must be returned by post in the prepaid envelope available by 4pm on Thursday 5 July 2018.

In order to be eligible to vote in these elections, voters must be registered to vote

by Friday 8 June 2018. Check if you are registered by contacting your local Electoral Registration Office.

Votes will be counted at the National Park Authority Headquarters in Balloch in the evening of 5 July 2018.

The term in office is until 6 July 2022.

For more information, please contact Laura.Dennett@lochlomond-trossachs.org 13

McLaren High School Music Festival Our annual Music Festival took place on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 March, culminating in the Music Festival Concert on the Wednesday evening. This year we welcomed Gail Digney as our adjudicator. Gail is a wonderful violinist who until recently was full time with the Royal Scottis National Orchestra. Winners of the 4 categories were as follows: Junior Competition 1st Fiona Cantlay, 2nd Catriona Norman, 3rd Alastair Cantlay Intermediate Competition 1st James Douglas, 2nd Liam Rennie, 3rd Ella Chodiniecki Senior Competition 1st Kim Russell, 2nd Ailish Duthie, 3rd Louise Dineley

Chamber & Ensemble Competition 1st Dillon McFarlane and Ailish Duthie (vocal Duet) 2nd Catriona Norman, Eoin Brennan and Callum Bell (Folk Trio) 3rd Harriet Holden, Flora Duff and Kayleigh McAlpine

Above: James Douglas; top right: Fiona Cantlay with Gail Digney; right: Kim Russell with Gail; and the Orchestra

The 1st place winners all performed at the concert, along with 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Senior Competition.

There were also performances from the orchestra, choir, The Harmony Sisters and other bands/ensembles during the eveing. It was a great evening showcasing McLaren’s musical talent.

The concert was brought to a close with the orchestra playing a brilliant and moving rendition of Hans Zimmer’s Man of Steel which was dedicated to William ‘Chilli’ Wood, our much loved janitor who passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly on 17 March 2018.

Tower winners on World Maths Day

14

World Maths Day World Maths Day was on 7 March but unfortunately our Siberian winter blast blew our celebrations to another day. We rescheduled to 23 March and had an energy filled day of problem solving, tower challenges and competitions that got the heads spinning with all things number! The goal in the Tower Building Contest was to create the tallest tower out of just newspaper and tape.

Teams were a maximum of 5 people and the hall was a buzz of activity as they all tried to get the highest tower possible! Well done to everyone who took part.

Close encounters of the animal kind with Zoolab!

Zoolab We were delighted to welcome Zoolab back to the school on 21 March. S1 pupils had an educational morning hearing about and handling the animals!

Scottish Night Ceilidh

Pipe Band

Rebecca More, Pipe Major

Killin Music Festival On Saturday 7 April the school Pipe Band and Trad Band were delighted to be invited to play at the Killin Music Festival Spring Concert. This was an evening showcasing local talent and culminating in a ceilidh. The school bands each played for around 15 minutes, the Pipe Band opening the evening and the Trad band playing later in the first half. A great time was had by all.

(Photos courtesy of Ron Allner, Killin)

Trad Band poses for a quick pic... ... before rocking out at the Scottish Night

Trad Band plays Killin!

Pipe Band performance

Photo opportunity for the Pipe Band!

Fun at the Ceilidh

Scottish Night Ceilidh McLaren High School Pipe Band held a fundraising Scottish Night Ceilidh on Friday 20 April. The evening took the form of a ceilidh, with music from the Ian Milligan Trio, and featured performances during the evening from the Pipe Band, the Trad Band and other pupil groups. All the pupils did themselves proud and sounded amazing!

Thanks to everyone who came along and supported the evening and to everyone who donated raffle prizes for the event. A grand total of £696 was raised for Pipe Band funds – well done everyone!

visit our website: www.mclarenhigh.co.uk

Trad Band member Lottie Hesp

The Trossachs Trio

15

Balquhidder’s intrepid cyclist Ian Inglis has had many adventures on his tours all over the world. But they are never without incident...

My (ahem) ‘Cycle’ Trip of 2017

by Ian Inglis

I have been cycle touring every summer since 2012. Over the last few years the tours have been predominantly on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Having cycled all of the coast from Alicante to the French border, my summer of 2017 took me to Malaga with the intention of cycling north to Villa Joyosa, 35 km beyond Alicante, some 480km in eight days.

My memory of my first tour in 2012, cycling the Camino from Saint Jean Pied de Porte to Santiago de Compostela, in northern Spain, involved some serious research and planning. In 2017 my tour involved little or no planning to speak of other than some rudimentary stuff like plane tickets, passport, bike, tent and sleeping bag. As time has gone by I have become a tad flippant about planning. The old management maxim of the ‘six Ps’ came “Tell me about it, that was a killer of a home to roost! Perfect Planning Prevents day!” I told no lies.

Piss Poor Performance. Oh boy, it didn’t half. In my room I whacked on the air Day one from Malaga didn’t start too conditioning and had a shower and well. I had forgotten to alter my watch zonked on the bed. I suddenly realised I and instead of starting to cycle at 9am, I had a balcony. I went out through the the kicked off at 10! Also some more thought sliding door and closed it to keep the room about the journey resulted in having 7 cool. The door clicked - and to my deepest days to cycle 580 km and not 8 days to consternation and panic I was locked on cycle 480km. Oops! So instead of having to the balcony in my black M&S underpants, average 60km per day, my new challenge three stories up!! There was a balcony next was 85km. to mine but it had a fence curved around My target on day 1 was Almunecar, 85 km the way over it. I spotted a window and away. However, my legs could only reach realised it was my bathroom. Did I open Nerja at 65km. I was completely empty! It’s it when I was in the shower? Yup, thank amazing how its possible to get trapped goodness. However, the window was close trying to achieve the impossible. to thirty six inches from the ground and Day 2 was pretty tough. For the first my inside leg measures 31 inches. I could three hours it was up and down. I reached leave the rest to your imagination...how the day before’s destination of Almunecar to get my leg up and through? There was after three hours, where I had some lunch. a table and chairs, all wicker. I stood on I spotted a bike shop and popped in to the chair and ended up wearing it as both get my tyres fully inflated. The couple who my feet went through to the ground.The owned the shop, I think, were Dutch. The only solution was to get my leg up and in woman suggested I needed to buy a decent the window but with no interior ledge to top. I countered and said that the top I was stand on, this was risky, bearing in mind wearing was merino wool which can be my inside leg measurement. As my eyes worn for 30 days and 30 nights without started to water, straddling the frame, I smelling. The repost was the best I’ve ever managed to pull my second leg into the heard, I think. She said “I hope you kept the bathroom and collapsed on the floor, intact receipt”. Very cheeky! But also extremely - almost! Panic over, but dignity impaired! funny. Heading off to Calahonda I conjured I’ve since thought that there is probably up a way out of this daily battering. It was a Spanish version of You’ve Been Framed not much fun beating myself up on the and maybe someone has made €250 at my hills of the Mediterranean coast. As I cycled embarrassed expense! into Calahonda, knackered yet again, a Day 3 saw me at the bus station inquiring bus passed me and I suddenly thought... about a bus to Cartagena - 200km away. I’m hmm... this could become a cycle/bus tour? not proud! For €22 my bike and I careered I sourced a bus timetable at the campsite along hilly roads to reach the ancient city. and headed for the bus stop the following Whilst on route I secured another lovely morning. The bus duly arrived, Iwhipped cheap room in La Union. However, I had my bike into the cavernous hold, and for to cycle 15 km from the bus station to get €9 I found myself 100 km further on, in to the hotel. Cycle touring can be tough Almerìa. As the bus went up and down hills sometimes. Sadly on this occasion the for the next three hours, I thought what a receptionist didn’t ask from whence I came! great €9 worth this had been!

The following day saw me actually In Almerìa, Instead of a campsite, I found cycling for a chunk of time from La Union to a nice single room with air conditioning Torivieja, some 70km. Again I found a nice on bookingcom for €40. Oh, I’m getting cheap hotel. Booking.com has this great soft: on my tour in 2012 I spent 29 nights app which helps locate a hotel - and it’s under canvas! Anyway, arriving at Almerìa a great boon when cycling into a strange bus depot I cycled to my hotel some two town. I very quickly found my hotel, but kilometres away. When asked by the the door was locked! Checked the app and receptionist where I had come from, I phoned the hotel and explained who I was. unashamedly said “Calahonda.”

A woman’s voice, with a strong Spanish “Brave you - it’s 33ºc out there!” he said. accent, came back.

16

ña!

pa y viva Es

“You want to cancel?”

“No - I can’t get into the hotel!” I whined.

“Where are you?”

“I’m outside the hotel.”

“You come in, then?”

“I can’t come in. The door is locked.”

“Is not possible. We not have door.”

So I stood back and checked it was the right hotel, which it was. At this point the disembodied voice came back.

“Wait moment. I get someone speak you.”

A male voice then came on the line and I explained it all over again.

“You want to cancel?” he asked.

“No. I don’t want to cancel. I want to get into the hotel.”

“Well, just come in.”

Here we go again, I thought. I took a deep breath.

“I can’t come in, because the door is locked and I’ve knocked on the door and window and people are eating but trying to ignore me.”

He then paused. “Wait a minute.”

Then followed another long pause, and as I I stood back to check the name of the hotel again, a man came round the corner waving a phone and laughing. As I walked around with my bike I noticed that there was no door - just a chain link screen to keep the flies out. As I scrambled through the screen there was much laughter. I grabbed a beer and skulked in the corner, exhausted - and very red faced!

The last part of my journey took me towards Alicante, about 50km away. It was a hot one again, somewhere in the mid 30s. Reaching Alicante around midday, I stopped for a break and realised that it was another 35km to Vila Joyosa. On the outskirts of Alicante I spotted a tram station at the bottom of a hill. With what little research I had done I knew that the tram ran all the way beyond Vila Joyosa. My thinking was, could I change the title of my cycle tour to read cycle/bus/tram tour? Of course I could, so I did.

The upshot of all the changes was that I reached Vila Joyosa two days early. Two days later, a friend met me in Vila Joyosa and we cycled together to the retreat centre nestled in the hills above Benidorm, where I was to start my three week retreat.

It turned out to be one of my shortest cycle tours - but a very eventful one nevertheless.

And I did laugh a lot.

STRATHEARN CHURCHES’ HAPPENINGS FRIDAY 4 MAY - MONDAY 7 MAY

STRATHEARN PILGRIMAGE

Come and join us as we tramp the Three Saints Way between Crieff and Killin – good companions, lovely route, bits to think about...

This year there is a small tweak on the route we have followed the last two years: FRIDAY: CRIEFF TO COMRIE via Glascorrie and Auchengarrich for a well-earned cuppa (about 8 miles, a bit of a hill over Glascorrie)

MONDAY: LOCHEARNHEAD TO KILLIN along the railway track via Glenogle then down through Acharn to Killin – ending with celebration tea at St Fillan’s Church For full brochure and booking information Contact Paddy Allen 01764 655389 stcolumbacrieff@tiscali.co.uk Or Ken Heiser shacklemariner@yahoo.co.uk

ANY GARDENING PROBLEMS? The St Angus’s folk invite you to come and join the experts for

GARDENERS’ QUESTION TIME LOCHEARNHEAD VILLAGE HALL Thursday 10 May at 7pm Refreshments, raffle, plenty of good advice and entertainment

SATURDAY: COMRIE TO ST FILLAN’S via Maam Road, the White House, secret Loch Baltachan for picnic lunch and down to the Four Seasons for a well-earned beer – or tea! (beautiful though a bit tougher, some rough walking, quite a long climb at the start, about 8 – 9 miles in all) SUNDAY: ST FILLANS TO LOCHEARNHEAD following the old railway line (lovely new cycle track), gentle walking, ending with tea in a friendly host’s garden)

FEAST FOR THE EYES (AND TUMMIES)

AT ST COLUMBA’S (CRIEFF) FLOWER FESTIVAL

Friday 1 June – Sunday 3 June 10am – 5pm A wonderful display guaranteed with the Columba cafe in full swing with teas and lunches

For more information on all these Contact Paddy Allen 01764 655389 stcolumbacrieff@tiscali.co.uk

Callander & West Perthshire U3A

F REE NHS E YE EX AM INAT IO NS FO R A L L U K RE S ID EN TS NOW STOCKING

Optical & Sunglasses Ranges

49 Main Street CALLANDER (01877) 330084 info@andrewbairdoptometrist.co.uk

Our U3A is going strong with a membership of over 300 enjoying more than 30 groups of such varied interests.

As the hoped-for summer approaches courses will wind down but finish with lunches and teas before a grand BBQ and Barn Dance for everyone on Midsummer’s Day in June.

All our activities are listed on our website and we offer prospective new members two taster sessions, which means that anyone can attend two groups for free before deciding whether to become a full member.

Our next AGM and Enrolment will be held in August and the full U3A year begins again in early September.

Keep in touch by looking at our website ‘Callander and West Perthshire U3A’.

17

Cookin’ with Kasia...

Caramelised red onion and goat’s cheese tartlets

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.

These tarts bring together the sweetness of slow cooked red onions with balsamic vinegar, crispy short crust pastry and wonderful taste of melted goat’s cheese.

Can be eaten cold, but best served warm with salad leaves with garlic- infused or balsamic dressing. Enjoy!

Pastry 75g butter, at room temperature 175 g plain flour 40g Parmesan cheese, grated A pinch of cayenne pepper A little cold water 1 beaten egg, for brushing Pre- heat the oven to 180C/ gas mark 4.

For the Pastry: 1.Rub the butter lightly on to the flour, add the cheese, cayenne and just enough cold water to make a smooth dough.

2. Place the dough in a bag to rest in the fridge for 20 minutes. After that, roll it out as thinly as possible and cut 8 circles 5 inch/13 cm in diameter.

3. Line the greased flan tins with the pastry, then bake in the oven, centre shelf, for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is cooked through but not coloured.

4. Cool the pastry cases on a wire rack.

Filling 6 tbs balsamic vinegar 900g red onions 200g soft rind goat’s cheese 25 g butter 1 tbs chopped fresh thyme 8 springs fresh thyme Bit of olive oil Cayenne pepper for sprinkling Salt & pepper For the Filling: 1.Melt the butter in a heavy-based saucepan 2.Stir in the onions, balsamic vinegar and chopped thyme, season and cook very gently without a lid, stirring often, for about 30 minutes.

3. To bake the tartlets, brush a little beaten egg on to each pastry case, pop them back into the oven, same temperature as above, for 5 minutes – this helps to provide a seal for the pastry and helps it from becoming soggy.

Strathyre Primary School extension is coming along!

Stephen Kerr, MP for Stirling, visited Strathyre Primary School recently to see how work was progressing on the major extension and renovation of the school that began last year.

Stephen visited with Councillor Martin Earl who had been campaigning for years for the school to be extended.

The work taking place is so extensive, costing £1.8 million, that the pupils and staff had to vacate last year and are currently using the former library building at McLaren High School as temporary facilities until the work is completed.

The renovated school will include a hall facility for PE and dining, as well as increased capacity for staff and teaching. There will also be far better disabled access – such as a lift. Strathyre Primary was also the only school in the Stirling Council area not to have a dedicated space for meals to be eaten.

18

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

4. Spoon the onion mixture into the cases.

Top each one with few pieces of goats’ cheese and a spring of thyme dipped in olive oil.

5. Sprinkle with a little of cayenne and bake for 20 min.

Smacznego!

Do Unicorns Really Exist?

Martin (left) and Stephen

The work is scheduled for completion in time to allow the school to reopen after the summer holidays.

Stephen Kerr said, “The scope of the works is really impressive. I look forward to the staff and pupils being able to return to a wonderful new school with great facilities in this beautiful setting.”

Local councillor Martin Earl said, “I was very pleased to take the opportunity to show Stephen how the work has been progressing. I do hope it will be completed on time as I know the staff and pupils are making the most of being at McLaren in Callander - but cannot wait to get back to their own school.”

Here’s something you don’t see very often! Thanks to Rory Gilchrist for this extraordinary photo of a local roe buck sporting just one solitary horn. A ‘Unihorn’, then...

MAY

2018

FOOD MUSIC THEATRE DANCE DOWNLOAD OUR FESTIVAL APP!...AND WE’LL KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP; WHAT’S ON, WHERE AND WHEN! - WWW.EVENTCADENCE.COM App will go live one week before the festival. Download before you arrive.

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TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN PLACE ON THE BALQUHIDDER ROAD FRI 25TH - SUN 27TH OF MAY AVOID THE QUEUE: CAR PASSES AVAILABLE FOR LOCALS AT MHOR 84 19

Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Community Council Minutes of a meeting held at Lochearnhead Village Hall on 4th April 2018 Please note that these minutes have not yet received formal approval and should be considered as a draft version only.

Present: Malcolm McNaughton (MM), David Johnston (DJ), Paul Hicks (PH), Richard Eastland (RE), Loraine Telfer (LT), Karen Methven (KM), Ruth McLusky (RM), Adrian Squires (AS) and Jeanette Stewart (JS). Apologies: Angus Cameron, Billy Ronald (National Park).

In attendance: Cllr Martin Earl (ME), Theresa Elliot (TE), Stirling Council; PC Will Diamond (WD), Police Scotland.

1) Approval of Minutes It was proposed by DJ, and seconded by RE, that the minutes of the meeting on 21st February 2018 should be accepted, and this was approved unanimously.

2) Declarations of Interest Nobody declared any interests, but MM mentioned an important point that he had learned recently; namely that, where someone declares an interest regarding a particular matter, that person should leave the room whilst discussion of it takes place. This was noted.

3) Police Report During the period from 21st February to 3rd April, there were no incidents of anti-social behaviour. Overnight between the 24-25th March, a theft occurred at a yard near to Mhor 84, Balquhidder, where a digger bucket and a water pump with an attached engine were stolen. There have been other thefts nearby, including a quad bike from outside Killin on the 30th April. Residents are asked to remain vigilant. There were several collisions during this period, owing to bad weather and drivers not adapting their driving to the conditions of the road. On the 21st February, a motorist was stopped after driving at 50mph through Lochearnhead. A report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal. On 27th February, PC Diamond attended a day’s wildlife training held by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), in order to become qualified in trapping and snaring. This is to ensure that police officers are qualified to act as expert witnesses in wildlife crime cases at court. There were a number of mountain rescue incidents during this time period, almost all due to people being ill prepared for the conditions, or being caught out by the weather. On Tuesday 3rd April, PC Diamond attended the Bilston Glen Area Control Room, along with Mountain Rescue Team leaders, in order to look at joint working, with a view to improving the overall response to mountain rescue incidents. This proved to be a valuable time for all concerned.

4) Matters arising 4a) Professional Indemnity Insurance. PH reported that he and MM had met with Lynne McKinley (Stirling Council Community Engagement Team) on 27th March 2018 to discuss the question of community councils being given an independent legal status. The Scottish Government is currently preparing a Local Democracy Bill and, as part of this, is undertaking a Local Governance Review. The Communities Secretary, Angela Constance, has stated that the ambition is to place much greater control in the hands of the people who know best what a community needs: those who live or work in the community itself. On Saturday 21st April, Professor Nick Bland will be presenting a workshop on the Local Governance Review at Old Viewforth in Stirling. This will be a good opportunity to raise our proposal that community councils should have their own legal identity. MM added that Lynne McKinley was also the liaison officer for Community Engagement staff in councils throughout Scotland and would be contacting her colleagues to gauge their reaction to this proposal. Ms McKinley had also suggested another possibility. Our community council could approach one of the local MSPs, with a view to raising a Private Member’s Bill that would address just this particular issue. She had pointed out, however, that such a bill might not be given a high priority if it was seen, potentially, to conflict with the Local Governance Review. Overall, ME supported the idea and said that it is something that needs to be resolved. He recommended that it would be good to approach all of the MSPs (Constituency and List).

5) Welcome to potential new member MM welcomed Jeanette Stewart from Lochearnhead who was interested in becoming a community councillor and had come along to the meeting to learn more about what was involved.

6) Bye-laws and clear-ways. There was nothing new to report concerning an implementation date for clearway legislation. However, WD reported that the National Park had recently posted signs to mark the boundaries of the alcohol exclusion bye-law and the police will now enforce this legislation when appropriate. There had been no problems whatsoever over Easter, but the weather had also been poor.

7) Correspondence MM had received an advertisement for responsive speed signs - electronic boards that report the speed of approaching traffic with a digital readout and an appropriate message. ME mentioned that such signs can have unintended consequences by provoking irresponsible drivers into trying to reach as high a readout as possible. WD confirmed this and said that Transport Scotland was not particularly in favour of such devices. It was agreed that something like this would not be appropriate for our area.

8) Planning Matters AS raised three items. Two were mainly for information, but the third had wider implications for the community.

8a) An application has been made for the continuation of a defined cycle path between St Fillans and Lochearnhead. This is expected to be welcomed by the community.

8b) An application has been made to install an external sprinkler system at Strathyre Primary School. This will be hidden from sight and is an important safety feature for the children at the school.

8c) Auchtubh Mast. An application has been made by WHP Telecoms Ltd to erect a telecommunications mast at Auchtubh in Balquhidder Glen. It will be primarily for the new Emergency Service Network (ESN) but will also be used by EE for 4G mobile communications. The application was discussed, but nobody was aware of any objections being raised to it and it was thought likely to be welcomed by many people as a significant enhancement to the current poor coverage.

9) Matters From Councillors 9a) During the Easter period, two heavy goods vehicles had encountered problems at a point on the Balquhidder Glen Road, near Monachyle, finishing up in a ditch beside the road. It had been difficult to contact senior Council officers to authorise immediate repairs. MM mentioned that a large hole had also appeared in this road. It had been covered by a metal plate, but he was concerned at the number of problems along this stretch of road. ME agreed to ask for a road inspection from the Village Hall up to Monachyle and beyond.

Action: ME to ask for inspection of C33 road from Balquhidder Village Hall to the end of the road.

9b) ME commented on an event that had taken place on Saturday 24th March at Callander Primary School. Entitled, ‘Your Place - Your Priorities’, the aim had been for community groups to bid for funding towards projects that would benefit the local community. Bids could be made for sums of money between £500 and £10K. Residents from all over the Trossachs and Teith ward were invited to attend, listen to presentations in support of each bid, and cast votes on which projects should be awarded funds. ME had received numerous complaints about the organisation of this event and these were strongly supported by community council members, several of whom had made the effort to attend this event in support of local groups. The following points were mentioned specifically: i) People were only allowed to vote if they had arrived at the venue by 10am in the morning. This requirement had not been made known to people in advance and many people travelled down from our area only to find that their journeys were wasted. This was particularly prejudicial to those who had long distances to travel. ii) The total amount of money to be awarded was set in advance but no distinction was made between those asking for the minimum and those asking for the maximum. It would have been fairer to have required a higher number of votes for the larger sums of money. Some members also thought that it would have been better to see the available money being more widely distributed. iii) The physical size of the venue limited the number of people who - potentially - could attend and vote to a relatively small number: around two hundred. This severely limited participation across the area covered. Apparently, adjoining councils (Perth & Kinross and Argyll & Bute) have organised similar awards with a scheme of online voting that allows for significantly more people to take part in the process, particularly elderly residents who are less able to travel physically to a central venue. Action: After some discussion, it was agreed that the Secretary should write to Stirling Council, drawing attention to these shortcomings and asking that any intention to hold similar events in future should be carefully reviewed.

9c) ME concluded with some better news: Stirling Council has voted to use £750,000 from its reserves to spend on substantive road repairs in the wake of the recent adverse weather and the impact on roads generally.

10) Any Other Competent Business 10a) RM expressed appreciation on behalf of many rural residents at the efforts made during the recent wintry weather to keep local roads clear. ME commented that the difference had been made by the prompt use of the services of the Tayforth Machinery Ring. This was undoubtedly related to the comments raised earlier this year by our community council regarding the Winter Service Policy and its shortcomings.

10b) MM asked JS whether she thought that her attendance had been worthwhile. She agreed that it had and indicated that she would be prepared to put herself forward as a prospective community councillor. PH then proposed that she should be co-opted forthwith to serve as a community councillor until the next elections were called. This was seconded by DJ and approved unanimously. MM then welcomed JS as a new member.

There was no other business and, at 8:35 p.m., MM declared the meeting closed. The next meeting, the Annual General Meeting, will take place on Wednesday 16th May 2018 at Strathyre 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

Other Contacts...

Andrew Poulter Advertising Coire A Chroine Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384784

Copy Deadline Day is the 21st of the month. Send your contributions to: contact@the-villagers.org.uk

Please help us to get The Villagers to you as soon as possible!

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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

DIARY DATES •

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

MAY 2018

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25-27 25-27

Race Night Lochearnhead - see page 4 Strathyre Music Festival - see page 3 Monachyle Festival - see page 19

JUNE 2018

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Quiz Night - Ben Sheann Hotel - see page 5 Hog Roast and Ceilidh - Balquhidder Village Hall - see page 3

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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Cheques for advertising and mail order subscriptions should be made out to: The BLS Newspaper Association

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S U P P O RT Y OUR LOCAL S UP P LIERS !

Printed by Graphics and Print Services, University of Stirling Tel: 01786 467209 email: graphicsandprint@stir.ac.uk Published by The BLS Newspaper Association

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Colours and textures at Sula

The Sula Girls, pictured here, were surprised and delighted to be announced as the winner of The Scottish Independent Retail Awards Soft Furnishing Supplier of the Year 2018.

The black tie event was held recently at The Crowne Plaza hotel in Glasgow.

“The Retail Awards promote and support Scottish Independent retailers and the Awards are based solely on votes that have been received by customers. So I would personally like to thank anyone that nominated or voted for us (we have no idea who did!) and to all those who have sent us congratulations and best wishes through our social media - it’s been quite overwhelming! But I would also like to express my thanks for all the love and continuing support that we have received locally over the past 18 months since we had to leave the shop in Balquhidder. It means a lot to us.”

Catriona, Julie and Diane

The lovely Melt Gallery in Pitlochry

Trademark luxury in a Perthshire house

Making Lampshades at one of Strathyre’s ‘Crafternoons’

Making curtains Catriona is also now a tutor with the Upholstery Craft Training Centre in Stirling - teaching curtain and blind making courses.

These are one day courses for beginners, so if you are interested please contact Jackie at info@upholsterycrafttraining.com for further details and information.

Our wonderful handyman Colin -couldn’t do without him!

Funky cushion

Sula are now based at our workshop in Strathyre where we continue to design and make soft furnishings for your home: curtains, Roman blinds, footstools, cushions and throws.

We have a comprehensive range of fabric books available to come and look at or we can bring them to your home. Some suppliers we work with are Moon, Johnstons of Elgin, Voyage, Prestigious, Isle Mill and Harris Tweed. We are also suppliers for most types of made to measure: roller, sky light and Venetian blinds. If you want to discuss any upholstery or soft furnishing work then please phone Catriona and make an appointment to visit us at the workshop in Strathyre.

Contact us at catriona@sulafurnishing.co.uk or phone 07824 446024 or visit our website www.sulafurnishing.co.uk .

The Sula shop is now located in two venues - one within Venachar Lochside, an award winning restaurant and events venue on the road to Aberfoyle, and the other within the Melt Gallery in Bonnethill Road, Pitlochry - owned by the lovely Annie! So please take a trip out to these lovely locations.

Catriona MacGeoch Sula Furnishing • Carraig Mhor • Strathyre • Perthshire • FK18 8NA