The Villagers September 2019 by LETI Group

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The Voice of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre & St Fillans • SEPTEMBER 2019

ns! la il F t S t a s y a D y Happ Read the report

- page 6

Editor’s Bit I thought I should start by apologising for our paper being rather thinner/ shorter than usual - mainly due to people being understandably away on holidays. But then I thought, it just proves how few people are normally ready to help - and it could be a salutary lesson to us all that if we want our paper to continue in its usual form we really need more articles and ideas - from all sections of the communities. Rant over... A very BIG cheer to Bruce in St Fillans for the work he put into the St Fillans Festive Weekend report before he went off to Orkney to recover from all the fun and frolics. All the photos prove what fun was had, even in the rain! On that topic, one of Gareth’s ranger photos shows the very muddy loch and river caused by the recent landslide, which is taking a long time to recover with all the new rain we have had. There’s a vague promise of an Indian summer heading our way. Let us hope for some good news! JJ

SATURDAY 7 and SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 10am - 4pm STRATHYRE VILLAGE HALL

Art & Craft Fayre

showcasing our creative community

paintings • weaving • spinning • woodcraft • jewellery • photography

Concert at St Mary’s, Aberfoyle 15th September 2019 at 3pm

Pure Brass

We are really looking forward to welcoming back Pure Brass - a vibrant, young and well-established brass quintet that perform regularly to critical acclaim. Formed in 2006 at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland the group has quickly become a prominent ensemble within the Scottish chamber music scene. The quintet has performed in solo recitals in some of the leading venues in the UK including; St Martin-in -the-Fields London, the Usher Hall Edinburgh, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and at festivals such as the Edinburgh Fringe, Durham Festival of Brass, the Sauerland-Herbst in Germany - and T in The Park! This hour long concert will be very entertaining and a great experience for all the family – so do come and join us at 3pm St Mary’s on 15th September. 2

£12

Kongero workshop and concert Sunday 29 September - don’t miss it!

Balquhidder is very happy to welcome back Kongero, four amazing singers from Sweden who are bringing their wonderful style of music to us again in the shape of a workshop at Balquhidder Village Hall and then a concert at MHOR 84. If you missed them in 2015, come and see them now - you won’t regret it! With their voices moving together in tight harmony or intertwining in a whirling tempo, the highly acclaimed folk vocal group Kongero draws traditional Swedish music out of the past and into the present. A concert with Kongero will take the listener on a fabulous journey, an all-embracing Scandinavian folk music experience. Blue notes, amazing vocal polyphony, groovy, powerful, and intimate. The band was formed in 2005 and besides doing concerts they also conduct well-received workshops in traditional Swedish vocal music and vocal harmonies. And we are lucky enough to have them give us another singing workshop here in the Glen. It will be a joyous experience and everyone is welcome! See poster above.

Strathyre News Crafternoon ... is starting up again after our summer break on Sunday 29th September in Strathyre Village Hall from 2pm. Our first session will see everyone creating an everlasting succulent! We will meet up every second Sunday thereafter. Other sessions will include country painting, decorating tote bags, making an antique mirror, altered tins... then Halloween and Christmas crafts. Please come along and join in. £5.00 is our suggested donation each week to cover the cost of materials and help replenish our biscuit tin... Thanks! Melanie

Macmillan coffee morning this year is taking place in Strathyre Village Hall at 11am on

Sunday 15th September and is in loving memory of Barbara Richards.

Games Exchange! We have a small group from Strathyre who help with the Lochearnhead Highland Games - and a most enjoyable day we have. Some of us also visit the Dufftown Highland Games, so Davy Allan and I decided it would be nice to promote our games while there and ‘collared’ the Games Chieftain for this photo - t-shirts and all. There was quite a lot of feedback when people saw us so we may have some visitors from Dufftown next year. Fingers crossed!

Wullie, left and Davy, right, with the Chieftain of Dufftown Games

Workday Our readers may or may not be aware, but Ruth Mclusky and I are the new Community Councillors for Strathyre after the reformation of the BLS Community Council. Since joining we have discussed quite a few different situations within the Three Villages, but I am sure you will have read these in The Villagers. I had a meeting with the BLS Trust Committee recently to discuss some of the issues that we needed to address; two of which were the unkempt state of the tennis court and the children’s park and surrounding area. On the first issue it was agreed that the best action was for a ‘Workday’ or evening, as it turned out, to be organised. A date was set for Thursday 15th August from 6pm onwards and anyone who could turn up to help was invited to do so. On the evening in question a small army of people arrived and within two hours the area was completely transformed. Power to the people of Strathyre - who always respond when needed most - and we will continue to keep the area maintained so everyone can enjoy what is a beautiful and safe corner of the village. Through Ruth and Stirling Council I arranged a site meeting with members of the BLS in attendance to survey the children’s play park area, and a very fruitful meeting it turned out to be (if all goes to plan). Our main concern was the trees, and the growth around the park where we had nettles and brambles growing through the

fence and into the actual play area. After some discussions it was agreed that the Council would address all the areas that were their responsibility, i.e. the trees and bushes surrounding the play park and path from the behind the shop to the road leading to the bridge, and work would start in November, or sooner if possible. However, there are some areas that the village would need to address themselves. So once again we will be organising a ‘Work Evening’ in the near future with more to follow so we can work as a team with the Council, with whom I will liase throughout. I am confident that we will not be disappointed with the response when the time comes, especially if it is for our children, and to enhance the area. Watch for a notice in the shop or on ‘Shout out’ for details when the first evening will be. I also took advantage of the Council members while they were there, and pointed out that the Victorian Garden was in need of some work and it was agreed that this area would be included in their programme and work would be carried out later in the year when the growing season had passed, so plants could be cut back. The benches would be repaired and re-painted and finally the whole area would be pressure cleaned. Just a final point, the areas we address in the play park would be our responsibility and we would need to keep them maintained, something I am sure could be organised Wullie D through the BLS. 3

Lochearnhead Latest CLACHAN COTTAGE 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.

Lunch & Leisure Club The BLS Lunch & Leisure Club is pleased to announce that the “Lunch Club” resumes on 12.30pm Monday 30th September 2019 at Lochearnhead Scout Station. Newcomers always welcome. Unfortunately, chairwoman Linda Bradley and her committee member husband Doug are stepping down and moving to pastures new - both will be sadly missed. We thank them for their sterling efforts over the past year and we wish them well.

It’s summer - but the evenings can still be chilly, so snuggle up in front of our blazing log burner... 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. 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.

Clachan Cottage Hotel • Lochside, Lochearnhead • Perthshire FK19 8PU info@clachancottagehotel.co.uk • 01567 830300

Danny Wallace Secretary

BOOK REVIEW On Chapel Sands: My mother and other missing persons

The book review for this month is a departure from the usual discussion of a work of fiction. This fascinating tale is a true story. The author, who is the art critic for the Observer, has woven together the threads of her mother’s unconventional upbringing and disappearance and her own literary and pertinent critiques of great works of art. Like the author, some of us may have old photo albums crammed with tiny sepia images of family gatherings, picnics on the beach or children playing in a garden, and with not a clue about who some of these people are, or indeed where the photographs will have been taken. All Laura Cumming (the author) has are a small number of these types of photos and the scant and piecemeal memories told by her mother as a birthday present to her daughter. There are huge gaps in this memoir and the author sets out to find the truth and fill the curious gaps in the history. There was a kidnap; the entire local community clams up for years although it is plain that everyone knows the truth. 4

by Laura Cumming

How and why this occurred emerges through some lengthy and painstaking digging and delving. We get a real sense of the closed community which existed in the small town on the Norfolk coast where she was born in 1926. The author’s mother has little memory of the days following her kidnap three years later, but with relentless enquiry and immense patience her daughter finds some answers to the mystery. However only some of the truths of those days are revealed. And it is not until (almost) all the main players in this amazingly intricate coverup are in their graves that the real story emerges bit by tiny bit. Laura Cumming has, by examining those family photographs and applying some of the critical judgment required of an art historian, found some answers to the mystery of her mother’s early life and discovered along the way the importance of family and of belonging.

The

St Fillans Bit

by Bruce Montgomery

Butterflies Orienteer at Golf Course for Festive Weekend ? Back in June, I recall reading a newspaper article about swarms of Painted Lady butterflies crossing the channel from Europe and settling in the southern counties. I guess many of them kept on flying as the number around St Fillans this year is exceptional. Everyone who has walked the Zig Zag path on a sunny day has been at some stage, usually when close to “wild” buddleia, surrounded by these beautiful creatures. Digging a little deeper I found this quote from a spokesman at the Edinburgh Botanic Garden: “We are currently seeing a wave of home grown butterflies, which are the descendants of those carried on winds from sub-Saharan Africa, along with newer arrivals from continental Europe.” Apparently these delicate creatures are capable of travelling 100 miles a day and can move in swarms large enough to be picked up on radar. A senior officer with Butterfly Conservation Scotland says that favourable breeding conditions mean we could see another wave of butterflies at the end of the summer and to quote again “come early autumn, we could be up to our knees in them...” I hope he is wrong - as I understand that their caterpillars have a liking for Scottish thistle plants, which is why in parts of Scotland, they are also known as the Thistle Butterfly. July 30th saw frantic activity around the Golf Club whose environs hosted some of the circuits for a round of the Scottish Six Day Orienteering Championships, while at the same time preparations continued for the August 3rd Sandy Lyle Charity

Painted Lady (Right) with a Small Tortoiseshell (Left) on a buddleia on the Zig Zag Path

Day. I didn’t quite understand how big a deal the Orienteering Event was, until I saw lines of cars crossing the road over the Golf Course to get to the Car Parking Area. The pic below left will give an indication of the attendance, but as cars were coming and going all day to arrive for staggered starts, what is in the pic is only a fraction of the numbers there over the course of the day. There appeared to be thousands of folk involved, many of whom had travelled from abroad to take part. I now know that the event was actually a qualifying round for the World Championship and the area had been strictly embargoed to participants for some time before the day. Races were set for different age groups and competencies. This was the third day of the six-day event which moved around as follows: Day 1 Auchingarrich,

Competitors waymap for Day 3

Aerial View of Orienteering Event

Day2 Edinchip, Day 3 Dundurn & Cnoc a Mhadaidh, Day 4 Culteucher & Dron, Day 5 Craig a Barns, Day 6 Grandtully, with a rest day after Day 3. Talking after the event to a competitor, he had been thrilled by the technical difficulty of the course which had suited his steady style. He noted that many of his “faster” friends had suffered during the forest section, losing time through having to backtrack to regain the route. August 3rd was the big day at St Fillans Golf Club being the third biannual Sandy Lyle Charity Competition Day. The US Masters Champion was there to undertake the ceremonial Tee Off at 8.45am with the Competition proper starting at 9.00am. There was a full field of 96 golfers in teams of four representing all parts of Scotland and beyond. It was played to the Stableford Scoring System, with each team member’s points being accumulated into a team total. At the end of the day, winners were the DSE Electricals team from Falkirk comprising Bobby Bain, Andy Lapsley, Jim Simpson and Robin Hulett. We were fortunate to have a sunny day, so irrespective of scoring, everyone had a great time and enjoyed the course, the company and the BBQ afterwards. Proceeds from the event have not yet been finalised as I write this, but I will report that information next month. However, whatever the final sum raised, it will be split between the Brain Tumour Charity and the Course Machinery Fund. In his closing remarks, Sandy Lyle reminded us that his very good friend, Seve Ballesteros, had died following a brain tumour which is why it is one of the charities he is keen to support. Golf Club members are very grateful to have the ongoing support of Sandy Lyle in promoting the Club and were pleased to be able to offer him (and even more pleased when he graciously accepted) Honorary Membership of St Continued overleaf Fillans Golf Club. 5

Continued from previous page

Homelanders Sandy Lyle, US Masters Champion, drives off... and is presented with Honorary Club Membership by Golf Club Captain Colin Simmons

Now to the 2019 Festive Weekend, which took place between Friday August 16th and Sunday August 18th. In the ten days prior to the event, we began to worry about the potential for very bad weather. The whole week looked poor and there were a series of days leading into the weekend when thunder and lightning was forecast. We decided to start the marquee set up a full five days before the opening event, in the expectation that we would be regularly rained off the playing field. Initially, that is exactly what happened, but as the week progressed, there were some windows of clement weather and we got everything prepared in ample time. Unfortunately, 24 hours before the first event on Friday, the forecast was grim and again included thunder showers. Fortunately, throughout the Friday while we suffered heavy showers of rain, the thunder never arrived, the marquees withstood the downpours and we got the weekend off to a brilliant start. Entertainment was provided by Homelanders, a Scots-Irish Duo who were positively superb, in terms of both the quality of their playing and singing. Between numbers they had the audience in stitches with a series of anecdotes and jokes (ok – there was one that was perhaps not as appropriate as it should have been and caused later comment). However, the accordionist is reckoned to be one of the best in Scotland and having heard him play everything from traditional numbers to classical pieces, we all had to agree. The singer was the Northern Irish part of the act and he had a wonderful voice and great delivery. Verdict almost everyone loved them – they got a standing ovation at the end! Saturday morning started off with the dull skies forecast, but then the weather gods smiled on the village. By the time we were set to play the outdoor games, the sun was shining warmly. Before that, as folk arrived they were invited to demonstrate their artistic side through turning tins cans into flower pots. Moving outside, we were entertained by St Fillans take on ‘Splat the Rat’. In our case, it was ‘Splat the Haggis’. We had already sent a hunting party to the hills to trap a couple of haggis beasties and the results of their effort can be seen in the pics, right. The poor beasties were given the chance to escape via a drainpipe, and the only person able to stop that was the “Honorary Splatter” who stood guard at the outlet suitably armed with a splatting instrument. We are happy to report that very few haggi were terminally splatted, most escaping back to the hillside. As can be seen, they were usually far too fast for the competitors. So many mums, dads and grandparents insisted on having a turn, the game lasted a bit longer than planned. In fact it was so successful, that the Festive Committee’s vision of turning the frame into a “stocks” for a different game next year has had to be abandoned in favour of a rerun of this event. Now to the inaugural world championship event of the newly invented game of “Wheech the Keech”. If any of our readers are eating as they read this, let me immediately make clear that the “Keechs” didn’t come out of a local field, but were specially made in latex. There were two sizes. Younger competitors were provided a smaller Keech, known as a “Toley”. The bigger 6

Tin cans as flower pots!

AYE, RIGHT!

No haggi were harmed on the day

Haggis escapes from the ‘splatters’

competitors were given a replica cow-pat known as the “Big Keech”. Throwers or “Wheechers”, competed in age groups and were asked to throw (or “Wheech”) their “Keech” or “Toley” increasing distances as the competitions progressed. It had to land on a target area called the “Clarty Cloot”. “Wheechers” were eliminated if they failed to hit the “Clarty Cloot” over three throws given in each round of competition and were whittled down to a champion in each age class. The World Champions of the day by classification are: 6 and under - Fionn Marti 7-11 - Fin McLeod 10-12 - Seth Jones 13-16 - Fergus Hammond 17-?? (Ladies) - Hatti Harvey 17-?? (Gents) - Andi Scheib ??+ (Ladies) - Phyllis Robb ??+ (Gents) - Stewart Gavigan Where the actual ages have been replaced by question marks is to preserve winners modesty. Make your own best guess! To mark their success, each champion was briefly loaned the “Golden Keech” while we tried to make a photographic record of their win. Obviously this ceremony was known as the “Big Pat on the Back”. Unfortunately some of the champions left the scene of their triumph too quickly so a pictorial history of this event, the first of its kind, is not complete. However, pictured right is the ??+ Gents World Champion, Mr. Stewart Gavigan. When asked to explain his accuracy with “Keech”, he said he wasn’t sure, but it all happened naturally on the day…? Throughout the afternoon the young ones also engaged in a Treasure Hunt which finished with a presentation of medals to participants and finally the destruction of the cow-shaped Pinata, resulting in a bountiful supply of sweets to take home. My goodness, we were all so lucky that the sun shone all afternoon! Our Saturday night theme was loosely based around a cocktail bar in Jamaica - anyone remember the movie? Caribbean or Hawaiian dress was popular and real cocktails were served while they lasted – not long! A five piece band “Rocket Jam” took to the Marquee stage. They clearly pleased our younger villagers from the get-go as they were never off the dance floor. By the time they started their second session, the more “experienced” members of the audience had got in the groove and the dance floor became packed. They too were given an ovation, and asked to do an encore. In fact we then squeezed out another by telling them that their cars were parked in and would only be released after if they sang another song. They were good sports and gave us another and we eventually allowed them to head home, taking our thanks with them. Verdict – very popular act, hence the standing ovation! Never seen so many villagers on the dance floor before. While Rocket Jam had been performing, we (or at least the folk who had put the marquees up) were conscious of a steady increase in wind strength with the occasional severe gust all interspersed with increasingly heavy rain showers. Was this to be the start of the bad weather which had been forecast but not materialised. As villagers departed, it was noticed that one marquee wall was already damaged so temporary repairs were made. We arrived back at the playing field early on Sunday expecting the worst, but the temporary repair had done its job so well that it was simply tidied up and made a little less sore on the eye. It was however, the start of an exceptionally wet spell which went on all day. Pools of water began to lie on parts of the playpark and ruts began to appear where vehicles had arrived to drop of food stuffs etc. Despite all that, the marquee areas remained relatively dry and able to accommodate the entertainment. Folk began to arrive at 12.30pm dressed in a variety of waterproof gear. The pile of brollies left at the door got larger and jackets were hung to drip on marquee sides where the door straps made usable hooks. By 1pm almost every seat was filled, wine and beer was consumed and the meal was served. Despite the conditions outside, a positive spirit prevailed and we looked forward to our entertainment from “Ginny and the Tonic”. What a lovely young couple they turned out to be and wow, could they perform.

Wheecher at work - closely watched by referee

Fantastic music!

Golden Keech award Dancin’ feet

Rocket Jam

Ginny sang in jazz and blues styles, very ably supported by her husband on electric piano. I asked her who her influences had been, expecting her response to be something like Amy Winehouse. She replied that while she likes Winehouse, she looks much further back to the years of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday to name just a few from the list she mentioned. I don’t know too much about jazz and blues performers, but I do know these names are at the top of the tree and hard acts to follow. Nevertheless, their performance was outstanding and yes, it was infused with the influence of some of these great names from the past. As the afternoon progressed, there were couples arriving on the dance floor wearing an odd assortment of footwear. But who cared, we were all having fun! The rain poured down so heavily that at one point the band had to turn up their volume to compensate for the battering on the marquee roof. Verdict – quite a change in tempo from the previous night, but loudly applauded. Of course an encore was requested and delivered with pleasure in horrendous conditions. Received with equal pleasure by an audience who were as a whole very impressed. I think Ginny and the Tonic enjoyed themselves as well. They did actually say they would love to live here! During the day we did have a spectacular series of lots for auction bringing in a total of £990. These included dinner in each of our hotels, locally tied fishing flies, short stay accommodation Continued overleaf

SCOTTISH SIX DAYS ORIENTEERING You may have noticed quite a few people wandering around Lochearnhead and St Fillans at the end of July, wearing suspiciously bright clothes, doing random warm-up exercises in public, and then running around, getting all hot and sweaty, while collecting ticks and bashing down bracken. Some of them were really old, some really young, and not a few of them were foreigners. But, not to worry! This was the Scottish Six Days Orienteering, an event which takes place every two years, and which in 2019 came to Strathearn. Day Two was at Edenchip (Day One had been at Auchingarrich, a bit out of The Villagers purview), with the event centre in Lochearnhead on the games field. Alex Bowers put up with his fields and hillsides being trampled over by well over three thousand runners, enjoying an area which had never been used for orienteering before. Open moorland, marshes, woods, fields, all of them soaked by the torrential rain which had stopped only the day before the Six Days started. But even though everyone came into the finish muddy and soaked to the skin, they all enjoyed it tremendously. Day Three was in St Fillans, at Dundurn & Cnoc a Mhadaith, perhaps more easily recognised as the woods behind the St Fillans Golf Club. Courtesy of the Drummond Estate, this time it was Ian McLarty’s turn to see his fields turned over to a thousand plus cars and innumerable runners rather than the cows and Blackface sheep; thanks also to Bobby McLarty for helping out with his tractor driving skills. Hopefully we left the fields in as good a condition as we found them. This was another area being used for the first time, and it was amazing; lots of open woodland filled with intricate contour detail; a remnant of ancient glacial action. Days Four, Five and Six were further afield, out towards Grandtully and Craig a Barns. But The Villagers area had done its bit; providing two of the best areas for the whole event. Not for nothing do we live in one of the loveliest areas of Scotland. I said some of them were really old, and some were really young. The great thing about orienteering is that it is competitive in five-year age groups. So, there were juniors under ten running, and there were veterans (men and women) competing in the M80 and W80 groups; that is, people of eighty and over! Respect. Why not give it a go? It is all over now; everyone has gone and the sheep, the deer and the birds are at peace again. But the areas were just so good, the terrain so challenging, that it is hoped that the estates will allow the Scottish Orienteering Championships to be held here in 2021; the main race on Dundurn and the relays on Edinchip. Watch this space…! Duncan Francis Continued from previous page

on Speyside and in Edinburgh, and even a two hour trip in a power boat on Loch Earn with a picnic thrown in. Our raffle also did well with people being encouraged to buy tickets through a combination of excellent salesmanship and the quality and quantity (about 25) prizes, many of which were higher end spirits. Our thanks must be extended to a series of folk as follows: Nutritious & Delicious, (based in Comrie and at St Fillans Golf Club) provided Saturday lunch and evening meal. Tullybannocher were once more providers of our quality Sunday Lunch. All the folk who generously provided lots to be auctioned and/or prizes for our raffle. Everyone who helped erect and then take down our Marquees with all the associated equipment. Top Out Brewery in Edinburgh who agreed to attend the whole weekend and were our provider of quality Craft Beers on draft. Finally, the Festive Committee who made Bruce it all happen. THANK YOU ALL! 8

Message from Luke At the time of writing I am in the middle of my summer surgery tour, in which I travel all across our constituency - from our largest towns to our smallest villages. It is a fantastic and hugely enjoyable opportunity to speak to hundreds of constituents and to discuss the issues that most concern them. These surgeries can take place in your local church or village hall, community centres, at a stall under a gazebo, a local coffee shop, or just by my team and I knocking on your door. A surgery is so called not because we perform complex medical procedures on our constituents – for which I am sure you are eternally grateful – but because you can drop in for a consultation with your MP on a particular issue in much the same way you can with your GP. Surgeries are a crucial part of the job not just because it gives me a chance to hear your thoughts on certain issues, and to then take your concerns directly to the Government ministers responsible, but because it gives you the chance to bring your problems directly to me. Since becoming an MP, I have found case work by far the most rewarding part of the job. Not because we succeed in every single case, although we do our utmost to do so wherever possible, but because it is an enormous privilege to be able to help people in such a way and so when we do succeed in helping you with your issue with benefits, visas, community projects and immigration, it makes it all the more satisfying to have been able to make that difference in your life. I also appreciate that my summer surgery tour allows me to be able to see so much of the constituency in a relatively short period of time. Because I usually split my time between the constituency and being at Westminster there is less opportunity to cover the whole of the constituency and so with one of the largest constituencies in the country the summer recess is a wonderful chance to spend some quality time at home with people at a more relaxed tempo. Since being elected just two years ago I have held more than 300 surgeries as it is hugely important to me to be as accessible as possible to you all. These surgeries are advertised online, on social media, in local newspapers and newsletters as well as on any local notice boards, so if you do have an issue you wish to raise with me please do not hesitate to come along to a surgery near you. If you have any issues or concerns please contact me at my office on 2 Comrie Street, Crieff, by telephone (01764 680 384) or by email (luke.grahamoffice@parliament.uk).

Art & Crafts Fair • Strathyre Hall 7th & 8th September 2019 The Village Hall in Strathyre will be an art and craft hub for a weekend in September this year, showcasing the creativity in the area. Local creatives will be showing their work - some pieces for sale. Come along and support them! We are currently featuring some of the artists taking part. This month it’s Gill Waugh - an artist living and working in Balquhidder (and also Production Manager for The Villagers!)

Callander Ramblers 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: SEPTEMBER • Sat 7, 08:30 Hill: Ben Our (733m) Contact 01877 382924 • Wed 11, 09:30 Stroll: Walk in the Park Aberfoyle area (41/2 miles) Contact 01877 330055 • Sat 21, 08:30 LDP: FCP (5) –Boarhills to Crail (9 miles) Contact 01877 330032 • Wed 25, 09:30 Ramble: Loch Leven Heritage Trail (12miles) Contact 07950 046913 OCTOBER • Wed 2, 09:30 Stroll: Falkirk’s Southern Hills (5 miles) Contact 01786 825682

When did your start doing this art/craft? Not that long ago! After a long career as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator I decided in 2014 to follow my heart and start painting. What attracted you to this activity? At the risk of sounding a bit clichéd, it was the chance to express myself - to create art for me. And I’m so lucky to be living in a place like Balquhidder, where inspiration is ever present. What influences you in your choice of subject? Landscapes, mostly - any place where the light is interesting. What makes it enjoyable for you? The freedom to experiment and to discover colour and texture... also the freedom to make mistakes. What is your best outcome? Feeling really happy with what I’ve done. I’m

terribly self-critical. And if other people like it, that’s a huge bonus. What is your current project? I’ve got around two dozen unfinished landscapes on the go! I like moving constantly from one piece of work to another.

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 are very welcome.

How easy is it to learn your art/craft? I think it has to come from inside and not everyone has the ‘spark’ and the self belief. I still struggle a lot and probably always will. But everyone can have fun having a go. I would recommend it to anyone as a form of relaxation, challenge, discovery! Gill occasionally hosts art workshops - ‘Painting Without Fear’. Ask her for details at the Arts & Crafts Fayre, Strathyre Village Hall, 7/8 September.

The Wishful News Two fisherman were delighted last week to have some of their possessions returned to them by local policeman Billy Emerald after a fishing trip to the river Balvaig on Stronslaney Road. The two had left behind their folding chair, unfortunately damaged in the fire, two empty cans of cider and three bait fish (pictured). Local volunteers are scouring their camp site for signs of their Buckfast bottle thought to be lost in the long grass. The two men were traced from the registration of their white SEAT car and vowed to take better care of their property on future visits. They also apologised for drinking the cider next to a ‘No Alcohol’ notice as they didn’t think it applied to them. AP

Welcome boost for protecting the bonnie banks of south Loch Lomond with refusal of plans for weddings and functions complex

The bonnie banks of Loch Lomond

The conservation charity, Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, has welcomed the decision by the National Park Authority to refuse planning permission for a complex of six buildings for weddings, functions and overnight accommodation in what they consider to be a particularly sensitive scenic and nature conservation area close to Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve. James Fraser, Chairman of the Friends said: ‘’We are pleased plans for this major development have at long last been rejected which means the special high value landscape and nature conservation qualities of the area that sweeps down to the southern shores of Loch Lomond near

Gartocharn will be protected from further creeping suburbanisation.’’ He added: ‘’The plans for a large functions venue and associated mansion houses and swimming pools were totally inappropriate in this scenic location and right next to the RSPB National Nature Reserve which is home to a rich variety of wildlife and an important staging post for migrating geese.’’ The plans for Wards Estate were submitted several years ago and have been subject to a series of reviews and impact assessment studies due to the sensitivity of the site. They attracted objections from the local Community Council, RSPB, Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and many local residents.

More ramblings (and a few grumblings) about

DundurnParish

The Pre-Reformation R C Chapel and Burial Ground at Dundurn It is thought that the Chapel of Dundurn was built in the late 1400s and dedicated to St. Fillan the Leper. Abandoned after the reformation, in 1586 the Chapel became, and remains to this day, the burial ground of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich. In 1770 a Chapel of Ease was built on the site now occupied by The Oaks, and dedicated to St. Fillan of Rathearn, known variously as the Leper or Stammerer. It was described as being of the old barn-like type of parish church, with narrow, uncomfortable pews, and a small gallery or loft. Services were conducted at stated intervals by the parish minister of Comrie; it appears that the Kirk Session claimed a right to burials for the residents of the district in the grounds surrounding the old R C Chapel. They may have inherited this right from a chapel predating it, and thought to have been situated on the south side of Dundurn Bridge; Kirk Session records show that on 17th May 1702, the collection taken during a service at Dundurn amounted to 16 shillings. By the mid 1870s, with the influx of the ‘great and the good’ to the village, it was decided by some that this building was no longer fit for purpose and approaches were made to Drummond Estates, to find a more suitable site in the centre of the village. On the 23rd February 1879 a New Chapel of Ease was opened. This building was designed by Mr G.T. Ewing, with seating for 250 persons. The Rev James William Blake was appointed minister. In a letter to her nephew in New Zealand, Mrs Jane Menzies of Lake Cottage, described him as ‘a young man of advanced notions and of considerable refinement. We call him the ‘High Church Curate’. He wears a long black coat and a low crowned crushable wideawake. He fishes, plays lawn tennis, performs feats of pedestrianism, skates, curls, and even dances! By reason of which awfully sinful pastimes, two members of his congregation prefer to walk every Sunday to Comrie Church, rather than attend the ministrations of so unholy a man!’ It appears that prior to this point no records had been kept concerning the burials at Dundurn and so he decided that a Lair Book was required. 1879 - Dundurn Lair Book - Extract from first page: “It is now nearly twenty years since the keeping of a record of those interred in the Dundurn Graveyard was suggested as being necessary and this book presented to those interested in this purpose. The wont of such a record is becoming more and more felt, and it has been thought advisable to enter as many, as those still alive can remember, as being interred and names and dates that have been forgotten will be entered thereafter if correct information can be got and a blank space will be left where names and dates are wanting.” A public meeting was held in the village on the 19th May 1890, at which measures were taken to have the old chapel and surrounding burial ground, carefully cared for in the future. Up until this period the building retained its roof, but the interior being “dank and noise some,” the roof was removed. On the 15th of March 1895 there was a decree of disjunction and erection, whereby the surrounding district was ecclesiastically disjointed from the parish of Comrie, and erected into a parish quoad sacra, under the old name of the Parish of Dundurn. The Rev Thomas Armstrong was admitted as first minister of the new parish on 3rd April. The Lair Book continued to be held by the Kirk Session of Dundurn Parish Church until 1986, when it was decided by the Kirk session that they no longer felt they had the resources for the upkeep and maintenance of the burial ground. They approached Perth & Kinross Council who agreed to the transfer of the Lair Book and took over the administration & maintenance of what had become a Grade 2 Listed Site. As a community we are deeply indebted to David Birkmyre

Dundurn Burial Ground 2017...

... and Dundurn Burial Ground 2019

who, as part of the St Fillans 2017 project, undertook a detailed survey of the burial ground, and along with sketches and inscriptions, plotted the position, condition and type of material used in each stone’s construction. He then, with the aid and assistance of Fraser Ballantyne, managed to procure for us a copy of the Lair Book. This book indicates that at least 435 people were interred. However, the monumental inscriptions list shows only 224 named on stones. A number of families: Drummond, King, McAllum, McIntyre, McNaughton, McWhannel, and Murray - have no markers. Sadly, the churches’ faith in the council’s ability to maintain the burial ground was misplaced. In recent times what was once a tranquil spot has now been reduced to a nettle and weed infested wilderness. While our rates go up, and our services go down, the maintenance has been reduced to a new plaque, proudly intimating that the site contains a Commonwealth war grave. Personally speaking I feel the wording should read: “the worst kept Commonwealth war grave”... and the gate now sports a bright shiny chain and padlock - probably put there to keep the “resurrectionists” out. Or perhaps, “on the day of judgement” to keep the slumbering incumbents in – until they pay a toll to access the combination number! Is this what our Council calls ’ Taking a Pride in Perthshire’? Without notification or consultation! they would have us believe that the burial ground is now closed, requiring only an occasional inspection. However, this cannot be the case. In the time leading up to its handover they were clearly informed that, while no new lairs were available, ‘it has long been the understood policy of the Kirk Session for a good many years now that the only burials to be permitted in the burial ground should be for those persons whose families already possess lairs in it.’ This leads me to the conclusion that this is a ‘right in perpetuity’. Why not unlock the gates and let the good Shepherd’s flock graze on the grass? Call me a cynic or a C.O.B. - but I would far rather step around the resulting ‘biodegradable’ sharn, than plowter through the myre of never-ending bureaucratic B.S. issuing from our council offices in Perth. The Old Crock 11

Home Energy Scotland: on a mission to help you keep warm for less

HELP IS HERE! Are you worried about internet fraud or identity theft? • Do you get too many unsolicited spam messages? • Are you confident that your children are safe online? • Would you like to save money by using the internet? • Would you like to be more confident (or less confused) online? • Do you just need some help with online technology? Free drop in sessions have been arranged at Balquhidder Hall on the following dates to help you with all of the above or any other issue you have with getting online. Wednesday 29 May 2019 atfrom 4pm4pm and 6pm Wednesday 4th September 2019 to 7pm Wednesday October 4pm to 7pm Wednesday2 19 June 2019 2019from at 4pm and 6pm Stirling Council’s successful Digital Inclusion Team are bringing their expertise to all residents in the three BLS villages, with the aim of offering personalised support enabling all of us to really benefit from broadband technology - and get to grip with the ‘Internet of Things’. The service will target individual needs - whether you are attempting to understand how it can help with everyday shopping, banking social media, staying safe online - or if you want to enhance your existing knowledge to take your experience and skills to further levels and stay ahead of trends. These sessions are open to everyone in the three villages. The two sessions arranged are open to all age groups and further help can also be provided in your own home. Bring along your laptop or tablet – there is free internet connection at the hall. 12

The barbeque has been packed away, the kids are back at school, and there’s a definite chill in the morning air – yes, autumn has arrived! And as we start thinking about putting the heating on, it’s safe to say that most of us won’t be looking forward to the higher energy bills that will follow. However, help is at hand to ensure our homes are as nice and toasty as possible ready for the colder months ahead, without needing to break the bank. Funded by the Scottish Government, Home Energy Scotland is a free, impartial energy advice service on a mission to help householders create warmer homes, reduce their bills and help tackle climate change. Whether you own or rent your home, advice is individual to you and no matter your own personal situation, help is available for all. Support ranges from home energy saving tips, to information about funding and grants available for new boilers, insulation and heating systems, to help make your home more efficient. Advisors can see if you’re eligible for financial support, benefits and incentives, and advise on shopping around for a cheaper energy supply. Or, if you’re thinking about going green and making your next car an electric vehicle or installing a renewable energy system at home, but aren’t quite sure where to start, Home Energy Scotland’s free specialist advisors can provide expert insight and knowledge to help you consider all of your options. Whilst the service is in part delivered by telephone, Home Energy Scotland is not a call centre and has no connection with any energy supplier, and never cold call. Thousands of people have already saved money through reducing the energy they use and taking advantage of cost savings, discounts, or benefits available to them. To find out how Home Energy Scotland can help you, call the Strathclyde & Central Advice Centre on freephone 0808 808 2282 or email adviceteam@ sc.homeenergyscotland.org and an advisor will call you back.

Get Baking!

Balquhidder Church News MUSINGS FROM THE MANSE

Names, Remembrance, Destiny

We’ll have to wait until the next issue of The Villagers for the report on the Horticultural Society’s Annual Show - so until then why not have a go at this year’s competition recipe, if you haven’t already done so!

DUNDEE CAKE Ingredients 250g Butter (at room temperature) 250g Dark Brown Sugar 5 Eggs 1 tsp Mixed Spice 1 tsp Salt 250g Plain Flour 225g Currants 200g Raisins 200g Sultanas 100g Mixed Peel 50g Blanched Almonds

Instructions Pre-heat your oven to 150°c (130°c for fan assisted ovens or Gas Mark 2). Grease and line a 9-inch cake tin with grease-proof paper, with the paper being a couple of inches taller than the tin. Add your blanched almonds to a bowl of boiling water and set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are well mixed before adding the next. Sift in the flour, spices and salt. Add the dried fruits and mixed peel. Mix all until combined. Transfer the mixture to your prepared tin. Drain the blanched almonds from the water and arrange in circles on top of your cake. Bake in your pre-heated oven for 2 hours, keeping a close eye – if you think your cake is looking golden before the 2 hours is up, pop a sheet of tin foil over the top to prevent it over-baking and cracking.

Billy Connolly (of whom I am a huge fan) once said that one of the things that drove him to be successful and famous was the thought that he would live his life and no one would know that he had even existed. The problem is that time makes history of us all. I enjoy walking around old graveyards (I know! What does that say about me?) and sometimes, especially on older stones, the inscriptions tell a story despite the paucity of words and the limitations of space. These stories can be informative, inspiring or sad. But the saddest of all are the ones where the words have been obliterated through time and weathering. These stones no longer bear testimony to their now anonymous and long forgotten characters lost in the mists of time and history. In Balquhidder Church we have the famous St Angus Stone commemorating the Celtic missionary designated as the person who first brought the Christian Gospel to these parts in the late 7th early 8th centuries AD. On the 14th August we had our annual service celebrating this event. It was well attended and the atmosphere was very special. It is hard for us to imagine the world of St Angus and the challenges and dangers these evangelists faced. No tarred roads, satnavs or ordnance survey maps; no real knowledge of how they would be received in any hamlet or village; facing dangers from wild animals and robbers, not to mention the climate. Yet they came! And what a legacy they left. That is why we who live at one of those ebb tide moments of faith which have punctuated history can find inspiration and encouragement for today. Their conviction, courage and credibility is a challenge to us today. One of my texts that evening was John 1: 5 “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” The Greek word translated as “overcome” can also mean “understand.” Many scholars believe that John intended both meanings. The first sense reminds us that what God has started he will finish! Ultimately the darkness will be defeated. The second sense reminds us that this incredible message needs to be embraced, embodied and shared. We are called to be witnesses of this in our own day and generation as St Angus and others were in theirs. In 1856, two Victorian explorers anxious to make a name for themselves arrived in Zanzibar off the East Coast of Africa. They were Richard Francis Burton and John Hanning Speke. Their goal was to travel inland to discover the source of the Nile, a great mystery which had intrigued Europeans since the time of the ancient Greeks. At that time they were unaware of the complexity of the problem. We now know that there are two main sources to the great river arising in central Africa and Ethiopia respectively, with a drainage system encompassing ten different countries. After several years of exploration the two Victorians came to different conclusions and their rivalry and jealousy resulted in a breach of friendship which was never healed. Speke died in a tragic shooting accident in 1864 - a sad and embittered man. There was a plaque erected in his name at Ripon Falls in Uganda which read “Speke discovered this source of the Nile on 28th July 1862.” Ironically, it is now submerged under a hydro-electric dam: another of history’s little jokes on those who would be famous. Burton died in 1890 somewhat disappointed and disillusioned with a large map of Africa above his bedside and a plaque which poignantly read in Arabic “All things pass.” I doubt that St Angus or any of his contemporaries set out to be famous or achieve that which would make their name live on. Yet, they are remembered because of their association with something bigger than themselves. The Bible declares that “In God we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). This is the universal affirmation that all people belong to the one Creator. It is all inclusive. Yet within that general conviction the Bible also contains a special calling first for the Jewish people, and then secondly, for the Church. This calling is not about privilege or status - it is about service and mission. The great paradox at the heart of this is the original lowly status, in worldly terms, of both Jews and Christians. Yet what both bear witness to, is a “pearl beyond price.”

Russel

Ranger’s Review by Gareth Kett Around the world we are seeing more and more signs of the climate emergency. This summer over three million hectares of boreal forest have burnt in Siberia(1), some of Germany’s forests are considered close to ecological collapse due to drought and bark beetle infestation(2) and Iceland has lost the glacier Okjokull, the first glacier to disappear in Iceland due to the climate emergency(3). Nearer home, recent torrential rain between Inverlochlarig and Loch Arklet has led to well over a hundred landslides and significant Hoverflies are important but under-recognised pollinators. damage to infrastructure and vehicles at Glen Gyle. Photo courtesy of Insects of Scotland.com For a while the River Larig and Loch Doine 10 things to do resembled the Mara River after the rains. species of insects and mites are associated The Ranger Service has been assisting for butterflies with oak. with the recovery of young trees in and moths 8. Grow deciduous trees including enclosures that had become inundated by sediment along sections of the Larig. 1. Grow caterpillar food-plants such sycamore. Mildew will form on leaves, The trees had recently been planted by as nettles (good for nettle aphids too), providing food for ladybirds. the Forth Rivers Trust to cool salmon buckthorn, hops and lady’s smock. 9. Grow a range of flowering plants, spawning areas with water temperatures 2. Grow a variety of nectar-rich plants including umbellifers that may attract rising due to global warming. Many of the from early spring to late autumn. soldier beetles (good for flies and bugs enclosures have been washed away or 3. Leave windfall apples for butterflies to too). flattened. drink from. 6 additional things to do It could be debated that the local 4. Plant native deciduous trees and for flies flooding isn’t related to climate change, shrubs. but it is a weather pattern that climate 5. Cultivate a small meadow or leave and hoverflies scientists have predicted(4). It has been a patch of long grass (good for flies, 1. Create a pond or bog-garden. called a one-in-two-hundred-year event hoverflies and bugs too). but if you cast your mind back to 2004 a 6. Plant a hedge (good for bugs too) and 2. Compost waste to provide a breeding similar event caused significant damage avoid cutting it each year. When you do, habitat for many species. to the Lochearnhead area including cut it in late winter after fruit and seed has 3. Tolerate aphids, which many hoverfly species rely on for food. landslides in Glen Ogle(5) and the loss of been eaten. the Edinample Bridge. 7. Use rocks to create a basking area for 4. Steep leaves in water to make an In the last Ranger’s Review, I mentioned butterflies. organic plant food, which will attract the onus on each one of us to do our bit 8. Avoid clearing ornamental borders dung flies and Eristalis hoverflies. to address the climate emergency and in autumn. 5. Make a pile of grass clippings to mass biodiversity loss (the nature crisis). 9. Allow some brambles, plantains, provide shelter and breeding habitat. But what can we as individuals do? There dandelions and nettles (good for 6. Grow a variety of caterpillar food-plants for parasitic flies. are many things including saving energy, ladybirds too). minimizing food waste, responsible 10. Avoid cutting down plants in autumn 3 additional things to do shopping, environmental voting and that could be harboring caterpillars or dietary choices, but this article will pupae. for true bugs focus on gardening, or more specifically 9 additional things to do gardening for wildlife. 1. Grow soft fruit such as raspberries In the UK gardens make up an area and blackberries. It’s good to share! for beetles the size of Sussex, an area greater than 2. Grow a variety of herbaceous plants. all our combined nature reserves. There 1. Leave dead wood on trees to provide 3. Allow some sorrel and dock. are around 15 million(6) gardens in Britain, breeding habitat for beetles. meaning that millions of people have 2. Make a log-pile to provide a breeding You can pick and choose which (if any) of the opportunity to manage their garden habitat (good for bugs too). Bury some of the above you choose to do depending for wildlife. Urban or rural gardens the logs. on the size of your garden and your can provide essential homes, refuges, 3. Sweep fallen leaves under your hedge preferences (you may already have some corridors or stepping stones for wildlife. or into a pile or into a wire cage for or all of the above in your garden), but Insects, so important near the base overwintering beetles and prey (good for anything you do will help insects and of the food-chain as pollinators and flies and bugs too). other invertebrates. Adding climbing as decomposers are thought to have 4. Mulch borders with leaf-mould, which plants to walls and fences provides an declined by around 75% across Europe(7). some species use to hunt prey (good for additional dimension to your garden Perhaps the most important thing we can flies and bugs too). that benefits other invertebrates such as do for wildlife is to improve our gardens 5. Leave an old tree stump to rot (also good spiders and millipedes. By encouraging for insects. While this article can’t cover habitat for Eristalis hoverflies – especially insects and other invertebrates into your everything that you can do for insects, if it collects water). garden and varying the height-structure below are some things that can be done 6. Create areas of densely planted of vegetation in your garden you benefit a for butterflies, moths, beetles, bugs, flies, vegetation to provide cover from wide range of wildlife. In doing so you are hoverflies and other invertebrates. predators. also addressing the climate emergency 7. Plant an oak (if you have space). 423 and the nature crisis. An additional bonus 14

Loch Doine - or the Mara River? Marmalade Hoverfly

is that insect-friendly gardens provide their own natural defence system against unwanted garden pests. For example, hoverfly larvae eat large numbers of aphids, ladybirds feed on greenfly and some beetle species prey on slugs. There is a wealth of information on wildlife gardening on the internet and some great books. The above lists have been taken from Kate Bradbury’s The Wildlife Gardener (2013). A wildlife gardening leaflet is available from the Breadalbane Area National Park Office in Lochearnhead. If you have anything you wish to discuss concerning wildlife gardening or any other topic, or have any wildlife sightings to report you are welcome

Peacock butterfly Forest bug – a common true bug

to drop into the Lochearnhead office, contact me by email at gareth.kett@ lochlomond-trossachs.org, or call me on 01389 722044. If I’m not in the office, please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. References 1/.https://www.sciencealert.com/nasa-imagescapture-worst-siberian-wildfires-in-10-000-years 2/.https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-forests-onthe-verge-of-collapse-experts-report/a-49659810 3/.https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-forests-onthe-verge-of-collapse-experts-report/a-49659810 4/.https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/ uk-weather-why-the-recent-devastating-floodswill-become-the-new-normal-a6793291.html

5/.https://www.bgs.ac.uk/landslides/GlenOgle.html 6/.http://www.thegardensgroupco.uk/2014/12/08/60wildlife-in-decline-15-million-gardens-in-the-uk-letsmake-wildlife-welcome/ 7/.http://truthtroubles.com/2017/10/19/study-showsthat-75-of-insects-have-disappeared-in-last-3decades/

Wildlife at Argaty One of the better kept secrets of Stirling (by which I mean that I only found out about it too late to get tickets for most of the events I really wanted to attend) is the annual photography festival (https:// www.stirlingphotographyfestival.co.uk/), now in its second year and which has been running events in the Stirling area throughout August. Setting aside the stuff that I missed, especially Historic Scotland’s workshop on heritage architectural photography, I did manage to get to the wildlife photography day at Argaty. Here, they’ve established a very fine butterfly garden, alongside a pond that’s murky enough to contain a fine selection of insects and amphibia. Led by volunteers Mandy and Anne, a dozen or so of us - with widely differing photographic backgrounds - spent our time peering into the near and far distance in pursuit of bees, butterflies, pond life (not actually politicians this time), dragon and damsel flies and, naturally, Argaty’s numerous Red Kites. All images by Richard Harris, highland. photography, or instagram @highland.images

Summer holidays are over, and we are at the start of our 7th year and membership is still rising with more small villages joining us. Callander is at the heart of our territory with most of our groups meeting there. It’s never too late to enrol – there are over 30 different subjects and something for everyone from languages to history to table tennis to arts and crafts. Membership is only £10 for the year and all details are on our website – just Google ‘Callander and West Perthshire U3A’. We welcome new members at any time.

Now Recruiting 2019 As Area Convener of the Central and West Lothian Area Support Team (AST), I am writing to let you know that Children’s Hearings Scotland is looking to recruit volunteers to sit on Children’s Hearings within our local area. In particular, we are keen to emphasise the importance of attracting male Panel Members, as having a male perspective in the Hearing system is often not appreciated. There is a gender balance requirement for a panel and the decisions made on behalf of the children and families demands the highest level of fair and balanced consideration. Our recruitment campaign launched on Friday 16 August 2019 with the closing date for applications being Tuesday 17 September 2019.

A Go od Day Out... Grandkids on the move!

Whooshing... with Grandma ‘JJ’ the Ed!

We always enjoy going to a different place for our “mini” holiday when we come to Scotland and this time we went to Glencoe. We knew we were going to do some of the history “stuff “but we were really looking forward to going to the ski slope. Obviously, we were not skiing in August, but we were going to try Tubing. This was great fun! Whooshing down the slope in a tyre, either by yourself - or in a line when we got braver; we even got Grandma to come with us, and we

asked the man to give us a special twirly push for the three of us. We then went to the National Trust centre where we saw a film all about the massacre in Glencoe which Grandad had told us about (we don’t think he was actually in the film, or the real massacre). After that we had a long walk with great views... and some very muddy bits. We then went to the Clachaig Inn where they filmed part of Harry Potter, so that was fun for us as we both love the books. After that it was time to go to our hotel

so we could have a swim before dinner. The pool was fun, so we decided to get up early to have another swim before breakfast. We weren’t sure G&G wanted to get up so early, but we did have it all to ourselves, so we had races. After a long breakfast (where we tried nearly everything) we were dragged on another walk up a hill and round a lochan which was quite nice really. Then back to Balquhidder with a stop for fish and chips. Brilliant. Love, Ally and Amber

Monachyle

MHOR

MHOR Fish

MHOR In Store

Award winning hotel and restaurant. Chic rooms, open fires, stunning location. Open all day, walkers welcome.

Fish & chip shop / seafood cafe. Open Wednesday - Sunday. 12 noon to 9pm Open Tuesday - Sunday in summer.

From Kindling to Cashmere. Open Thursday - Monday, 10am to 5pm. Open 7 days in summer.

W www.mhor.net Balquhidder FK19 8PQ T 01877 384 622

75/77 Main Street, Callander FK17 8DX T 01877 330 213 W www.mhor.net

Kingshouse, Balquhidder, FK19 8NY T 01877 384 691 W www.mhor.net

MHOR 84

MHOR Bread

MHOR

Stylish motel with 11 rooms and 1 self catering cottage. Roaring fires, games room, great food 8am - 9pm. Live acoustic roots music every Thursday. Kingshouse, Balquhidder, FK19 8NY T 01877 384 646 W www.mhor.net

Artisan bakery and tearoom - Open 7 days. Tearoom 9am - 5pm. Bakery / shop 8am - 6pm. 75/77 Main Street, Callander FK17 8BB T 01877 339 518 W www.mhor.net

to your door Anytime. Anyplace. Anywhere. From fish & chips to fine dining,from private to corporate events. W www.mhor.net E events@mhor.net T 01877 384 622

T HE VIL L AGER S ’ TR A D E D I R EC TORY

Charles Grant Decorator& Tiler Exterior & Interior Wall & Floor Paints, Wallpaper & Varnishes supplied

Tel 07768333792 charliegrant@gmail.com

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PFKCallander Ltd

GARAGE 140 Main Street CALLANDER Tel: 01877 331569 or 07901 651361 Email: pfkcallander@btconnect.com

MOT’s, Servicing,MOTs, Repair’s, Diagnostics & ECU Remapping Servicing, Repairs, Open: MonDiagnostics to Fri 8am & toECU 6pmRemapping & Sat 8am to 1pm Open: Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm & Saturday 8am to1pm

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 595 rented houses and flats. Around 40 of these become available for rent each year. We currently have properties in the following communities:

Aberfoyle • Doune • Killin • Strathyre Balfron • Drymen • Kinlochard Stronachlachar • Buchlyvie • Gargunnock Kippen • Tyndrum • Callander • Gartmore Lochearnhead • Deanston • Killearn Strathblane 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

01786 841101 enquiries@rsha.org.uk www.rsha.org.uk

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

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

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

contact@the-villagers.org.uk

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contact@the-villagers.org.uk

Please help us to get The Villagers to you as so on as possible!

Other Contacts... Lochearnhead Contact: Ali Ferguson 01567 830 405 St Fillans Contact: Bruce Montgomery blmscotland@yahoo.co.uk 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 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Pilates - Balquhidder Hall - 9.15 to 10.15am. (Contact Abbey 07766 407578 for details. Booking in advance please.) 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 Yoga - Balquhidder Hall - 11.00am to 12noon (contact Ann Cobbett 01877 376291) Darts League - The White Stag, Strathyre - 7.00pm Playgroup - Lochearnhead Hall - 10.00am-12 noon (Contact Dani Bird 07812 600301)

7/8

Arts and Crafts Hub - Strathyre Village Hall - see page 2

Macmillans Coffee Morning - Strathyre Village Hall - 11am - see page 3

Pure Brass Concert - St Mary’s, Aberfoyle - 3pm - see page 2

Digital Help Session - Balquhidder Hall - 4pm-7pm - see page 12

Kongero Singing Workshop - Balquhidder Hall - 1pm-4pm - see page 2

Crafternoon - Strathyre Village Hall - 2pm - see page 3

Kongero Concert - MHOR 84 - Kingshouse - 7pm - see page 2

Lunch Club - Lochearnhead Scout Station - 12.30pm - see page 4

OC TOBER 2

Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St. Fillans CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

Balquhidder Parish Church Registered Charity No. SCO12316

SEPTEMBER

CHURCH SERVICES

Digital Help Session - Balquhidder Hall - 4pm - 7pm - see page 12

Stephen Kerr MP 49 Borestone Crescent, Stirling FK7 9BQ 01786 475034 Luke Graham MP Crieff Constituency Office, 2 Comrie Street, Crieff 01764 680384 luke.graham.mp@parliament.uk

Councillor Martin Earl Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET 01786 233114 earlm@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Evelyn Tweed Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET 01786 233101 Councillor Jeremy McDonald Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET 01786 233117

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 Interim Moderator: Rev’d John Murdoch Tel: 01738 628378

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

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