The Villagers news April 2019 for Lochearnhead St Fillans Strathyre and Balquhidder

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Villagers

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T h e Vo i c e o f B a l q u h i d d e r, Lo c h e a r n h e a d , S t r a t hy r e & S t Fi l l a n s • A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Fiona receives the cheque from Karen Methven and members of the Tree Fest team

Tree Fest Flies High for SCAA Several members of the Tree Fest crew gathered in Balquhidder Kirk’s Friendship Room (appropriately!) to present the £2000 cheque to the Air Ambulance (SCAA) in Perth.

Fiona Davies was delighted to receive the cheque on their behalf. She emphasised the importance of such donations, as the service relies solely on them. Last year they had 365 callouts, each one costing on average £2000. We all rather liked the idea that this tree fest - with all the work that was put in to make it the success it was - possibly saved a life.

Now that has to be well worth the effort!

highland•photography

Editor’s Bit By the time you read this we will be enjoying Summer Time (officially at least): lambs will be frolicking, daffodils hosting, and running shoes, tennis rackets, maps and compasses will all be dusted off. I will be in a minority (seems to happen a lot at the moment), hoping for more freak weather and a quick snow storm so that Aussie grandsons can build a snowman.

It was a great privilege to spend an afternoon in the “new” school at Strathyre; to talk to some of the children and try to answer all their very thoughtful questions about The Villagers. We have included some of their reports this month and hope to have ”A Day in the Life of...“ featuring many of them next month.

Their enthusiasm for their improved environment is lovely to see.

Could I put in a plea for help with keeping all the details of clubs, church news etc on our Diary page up to date? It would be great to have a short article at some point to give details for each club too.

JJ

SPRING into ACTION and take part in the HORTI SHOW 2019!

Hidden Glen 10K Saturday 27th April 2019

Don’t forget to pick up your schedule for this year’s

Horticultural Show

now available at Strathyre and Lochearnhead village shops!

Hall

The Hidden Glen 10K is returning to Balquhidder on Saturday 27th April.

The event, based at Monachyle Mhor, is growing in popularity and sold out in just 12 hours this year. We are expecting around 400 runners to take on the challenge, the same number as in previous years. The route starts with a short 1Km out and back section along the road towards Inverlochlarig before heading into the glen behind the hotel. The event starts at 12pm at Monachyle Mhor and as such the road will be a lot busier than usual. The busiest times will be between 10 and 11.30am with runners driving to Monachyle and then between 1.30pm and 3pm as runners leave Monachyle. I would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused. If you have any queries regarding the event, please get in touch via info@ runmhor.net.

Pete Waugh, Tay Fitness Events

Our local Race for Life takes place in the grounds of Stirling University, on Sunday, 12th May. Why not come and join some of the staff, volunteers and friends of Callander Cancer Research shop who have signed up for it. It will be great fun and while it is called Race for Life, it is by no means a race. The best way to describe our attitude to it is – Race for Life is just a Walk in the Park - Go why not come along and have a Great day, raising funds for a Great cause and being part of a Great campaign to make a difference to someone’s life.

Many thanks!

Mary McDiarmid Manager @ Callander CR UK 2

Do You Make Things?

Strathyre News

Do you paint, draw or create?

We would like you to share in a community event in September!

The Village Hall in Strathyre will be an art and craft hub for the Perthshire Open Studios this year. It will showcase the creativity in the area. Works will be for sale or for show only.

Initially we would like you to indicate if you have an interest in this venture leaving your contact details: Name, email address and telephone number at the Village Shop or with Archie Scott at archie@zoolou.co.uk

The Stuc a Chroin Annul Race Night will be held in the White Stag on Saturday 27th April (a bit later than usual) and, as always, all are invited.

The first race will be 7.30ish, followed by our auction. All funds raised will go towards this year’s race which will celebrate our 30th race (we lost a year due to Foot and Mouth). If you would like to sponsor a race, please feel free to contact any committee member. There will be the usual board up in the White Stag/Village Shop, if you wish to buy a horse for any of the races. If you have something you would like to contribute to the auction (sellable items only please) again let members know.

The race will take place on Saturday 4th May and all help would be appreciated - especially on the Thursday - for the erection of marquees etc at the recreation ground. There will be a celebration ceilidh in the village hall to follow, where there will be music, a bar and food available (if you’re quick enough!) There will also be a raffle and whisky curling on the night. Entry is free although there will be donation boxes and as always this is a family event so bring the weans if need be! If you wish you can bring your own nibbles as well but please note this is NOT a BYOB as a bar is provided.

Prior to the race the Mini Stuc will be held on the Friday 3rd May and this year we will have two age groups of runners.

I’ve been informed that we could have around 170 children involved. So again, if you would like to come along and enjoy the day please feel free to do so. Start time is still to be confirmed but we are looking at 11.30ish for the youngest kids.

This is fast becoming a popular event for the schools in the Stirling catchment area and we are delighted to host such an event.

So why not come and join us in all these events - and have lots of fun as well!

Wullie D On behalf of the Stuc Committee

Strathyre tennis court progress You may remember in a previous Villagers, I reported the results of the recent BLS facilities consultation that included asking thoughts on our old tennis court. Based on the results, I explained that the initial plan will be to make good the existing facility with a view to creating a Multi-Use Games Area at some point, funding dependent. I am now delighted to report some significant progress…..

Have you seen the fencing, or lack of it?! Our immediate priority is to replace all of that of course, to try and patch some of the worst of the playing surface and generally have a spruce up. Line markings could also get repainted at some point which could include the addition of markings for basketball as we have purchased two basketball posts. McLaren Leisure has kindly donated some tennis nets and we still have footy posts kicking about, pardon the pun.

Our intention was to apply for funding to make this all happen which takes time however, thanks to two incredibly generous sponsors, work should have been completed by the time you read this. Massive thanks go to Roger Williams, Managing Director of Horizon Healthcare Homes Ltd for making a charitable donation to cover the costs. Also, we are so grateful to Alastair McLaurin of A.M Steel Solutions whose company is responsible for the installation and for heavily subsidising the work, going above and beyond. Thank you gents from the people of Strathyre.

After a clean up session and an open afternoon we will be up and running starting with some children’s Easter holiday activities on Fridays 5th and 12th April 10am-3pm supported by Active Stirling. At the time of writing, all the final details are not confirmed but the sessions will have been locally advertised to the BLS community.

Clearly there’s still a lot more to do, such as promoting and managing usage, further improvements and maintenance to discuss but for now, I hope that you are happy with the progress made.

Sally Johnston On behalf of the Directors of the BLS Community Trust

Ladies’ ‘20s Lunch

The Grand

Speakeasy

Shhhh!! Don’t tell everyone...

Strathyre Village Hall 28th April 2019 From 1pm, Entry £25

Buffet, Raffle, Entertainment & Champagne Curling (PS You will need your invitation - and password!)

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Lochearnhead Latest Lochearnhead Village Hall

AG M

on Tuesday 16th April 2019 in the village hall from 7.30pm All welcome – please come along and get involved!

BOOK REVIEW Scrublands Chris Hammer In a flashback at the beginning of this whodunnit, the crime has already been committed and it seems to be an open and shut case.

Our narrator, a hard bitten ex war correspondent, is sent to this small outback town on the anniversary of a mass murder to find out how the inhabitants have coped in its aftermath, and to try to fathom out the truth of what actually happened. The perpetrator of the crime was the local priest who was loved by many of the townsfolk, the victims, a group of mates and members of a fishing club, seemingly innocent and random targets.

As soon as Martin arrives in the town, we are immersed in the stifling heat and dust of a town that is dying as a result of its infamous history. Most of the shops are closed, as are the inhabitants who are reluctant to talk to an outsider, never mind a news reporter who cannot lose his instincts to go with the story whether he has properly researched the facts or not. In his defence however there are so many clever twists and turns and lies and half-truths and gossip being bandied about that his task does seem at times to be insurmountable.

There is love interest too but that seems doomed by long ago events which come to light both in Martin’s and Mandy’s lives. A description of a bush fire, a perennial risk in outback Australia is superbly done with the reader holding her breath as the characters seek the only way out. I learnt something from that passage, having lived in just the area in which this book is anchored and where this was a constant threat in the dry weather. Eventually the storm breaks literally and figuratively and all is revealed in its complexity, with the many threads coming together to a satisfactory conclusion. Nicely done.

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Members of BLS Lunch & Leisure Club enjoying their A.G.M lunch on Monday 18th March. The lunch marked the end of the club’s season which had been a great success.

Members thanked the new committee for their efforts in facilitating this well-attended and enjoyable weekly experience. The committee noted the support of Hertfordshire Scouts and reflected on the increased participation of its members in providing food, entertainment and, not least, in helping with dishes and tidying up afterwards. All look forward now to the club resuming in the Autumn. Dates to be confirmed in the near future.

Defibrillator comes to the Station Hertfordshire Scouts would like to make residents in the area aware of the recent installation of a DEFIBRILLATOR at Lochearnhead Scout Station.

The device is contained in a hi viz box fitted to the wall of the old Porter’s Office on the main platform close to the pathway leading to Cameron Court.

Danny Wallace (volunteer at said Scout Station)

Water Voles’ Success in the Trossachs Katy Anderson, Habitats Manager with the FES team in Aberfoyle presented this success story of water vole reintroduction to the Trossachs at the Callander SWT meeting in January. I was very disappointed to miss the talk so here have used material from the FCS website https://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/news/ water-voles-thriving-in-the-trossachs and linked blogs.

Water voles became extinct in the Trossachs in the late 1980’s due to habitat loss and predation by American Mink.

Since the project began in 2008, over 1,000 animals have been released into 1,700ha of restored wetland habitat on the National Forest Estate in the Loch Ard area.

They originally came from a development site in Glasgow where ecologists were struggling to find them a new home.

The captured water voles were then bred in captivity by Derek Gow Associates to produce a large population for release.

Forest Enterprise Scotland, with help from partners*, carried out a huge amount of work to create a habitat network, restoring wetlands and creating riparian areas ideal for water voles. This included clearing trees from burn-sides to allow vegetation to recover, building over 100 ponds, many miles of ditches, building dams and sowing wetland seed mixes to enhance the forest for wildlife.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park provided a team of trained volunteers who helped to track the spread of the released population. Many new breeding sites were discovered each year, up to 12km from the original release area and now water voles can now be found in over 50 sites throughout the area probably with many more still to find.

CAOS Delivers Again!

Water voles are also being recorded across a wider area and can be found from upland settings above Loch Lomond to the lowlands of the River Forth, almost within sight of Stirling Castle. This truly is a transnational success story: from initial rescue in Glasgow, breeding in Devon, introduction into the Trossachs and now water voles from the Trossachs have even been translocated to Northumberland as part of a reintroduction into the Kielder Forest as part of the ‘Restoring Ratty’ project.

In November 2017 the project was deservedly awarded Highly Commended in the ‘The Nature of Scotland’ awards which gives recognition to conservation projects for their excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement in Scottish nature. However, it has become a victim of its own success and funding has ended but, in recognition that the water voles could again be devastated by the North American mink, FCS is still supporting monitoring of mink rafts by National Park Volunteers. * The partnership includes Forest Enterprise Scotland, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, Scottish Natural Heritage, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Derek Gow Associates, the Kilgarth Development Company and The River Forth Fisheries Trust.

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 is coming - but the evenings are still 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

Congratulations to Callander’s Amateur Operatic Society for coming up with yet another triumph of a show - this time it was Annie, performed over four days in March at McLaren High School.

In case you’re not familiar with the show, it’s the tale of a little girl from an orphanage who is given the chance to spread her wings. Emotional stuff!

The cast included many children who should feel very proud of themselves for giving their all - not least ‘Annie’ herself, played by Lucy Underwood who really captured everyone’s hearts with her amazing voice and sweet presence.

The amount of work that the company puts in each year never fails to astound me. If you haven’t yet caught one of their productions, put next March in your diary and go and support them. You won’t regret it. GW

Your Stirling: You Decide is Stirling’s version of participatory budgeting, an initiative that gives local people a direct say in how a portion of our budget is spent.

Between March 2019 and June 2019, citizens across Stirling’s seven electoral wards will have the chance to influence how to spend £700,000 of public money (£100,000 in each of the seven ward areas). This year the money can be used for infrastructure and the environment. This could include for example - roads, pavements, parks, playgrounds or public spaces.

Anyone who lives or works in the area, including local groups can give us an idea of what the money should be spent on. Ideas will be developed before being voted on by people living in the ward. Those receiving the most votes will be taken forward by services.

The Project Team, who will turn the ideas into voting proposals, will include Budget Delegates. Budget Delegates are members of the public, of high school age and above, who live in the area and would like to represent the public on the Project Team. For more information and to express your interest see the Budget Delegate Pack on our website.

We would welcome any ideas you have as an organisation and would encourage you to think about this in the context of your work. More information on the process, how to submit an idea and how to be involved is available on our website www.stirling.gov.uk/youdecide Community Engagement Team 01786 233076 5

The

St Fillans Bit Movement in Arran!

Villagers have been noting activity at the Arran Brewery Hotel (formerly Drummond Arms). More than one load of equipment and beer kegs were delivered in February. Since then, tradesmen have been in attendance so, one day, when I saw Gerald Michaluk the MD of Arran Brewery was there, I stopped to ask what was happening. He was kind enough to spend some time showing me around.

At the rear of the Hotel, a Cider Shack has been created, as the name suggests for the brewing of cider. This was already almost fully equipped and has the capability of producing 1000 litres on a 3 weekly cycle.

Gerald’s expectation is that output will be initially limited to Hotel usage, probably no more than 7000 litres pa. Due to the low volume, this will be either bottled or kegged on site.

In a larger building again to the rear, equipment for the brewing of beer is being assembled. This is potentially on a much bigger scale, capable of output of 3000 litres on an 8 hour cycle. It will be a Lochearn Hybrid Beer (a “lagerised” ale).

All will be shipped by tanker to Ayrshire for bottling. I asked about smell from the volume beer plant and was assured that the flow is largely sealed and controls will be in place. Gerald expects production of cider to begin in April and followed a little later by production of beer.

However, as always, these timings are subject to inspection and certification by the appropriate authorities. Gerald also advises that the Hotel Coffee Shop and Bar will be open through the summer season on a similar basis to last year.

As trailed last month, I managed to persuade Laura Muirhead, the new owner and General Manager of the Achray Hotel to take some time out from her frantic schedule, and sit still and talk to me for half an hour. Unfortunately, her partner Panu Lehti was down in London dealing with what is currently his main job. They met about three and a half years ago when Panu was operating out of Chamonix running a business which streamed X-treme sports over the internet. He subsequently moved to London where he is a Business Analyst with a Company which develops/sells apps which encourage kids to learn the value of money via reward for effort.

Laura’s background is no less unusual. She taught English in Japan for many years, during which time she became proficient in Japanese, and unsurprisingly, when she returned to the UK, was employed 6

The playpark - work in progress

by a Japanese Company in London on the administrative side. She was subsequently employed by the world’s largest privately owned company in the agriculture sector as an analyst involved in building SAP software systems. The Hotel venture is Laura’s long-held dream, brought about through her experiences as a child in her grandparent’s hospitality businesses in Fife and then her mother’s business in the same sector in Edinburgh.

In the Achray venture, she has Panu’s full support. He hopes to relocate to St Fillans in due course and continue to operate his other business activity remotely. Laura advises that she will initially maintain the existing business model as inherited from Brad, then grow occupancy through promoting activity-based tourism, involving at least potentially and to varying degrees - Hillwalking, Kayaking, Cycling, Birdwatching and Ecology, Golf and Fishing. Obviously, she can’t tackle everything at once, but has already made a start with a monthly “Ramble and Roast” Event. The first one took place on February 24th and involved a walk from Comrie to St Fillans, along forestry tracks and then over moorland past Loch Boltachan. The descent back to St Fillans was over the shoulder of The Girron before rapidly dropping back down to the hotel. Villagers were welcome and I thoroughly enjoyed both the walk and the roast beef afterwards! Future rambles will be advertised via the village website and email circulation list. I can also report that the bar and dining room are being redeveloped. What has been done so far looks good. When it is finished we might manage a pic in next month’s issue and meanwhile, the hotel - and importantly the bar - are operating as normal!

Construction of our playpark continues, although, as I write this, the recent

inclement weather has halted progress.

Nevertheless, I have taken a photo (above) to give an idea of how it is progressing.

There is a giant swinging contraption – no idea what it is called, already in place, along with a long curved slide and a tower. There is plenty more to come and I expect to be able to give a further update next month. Now don’t tell the kids, but I have heard some village dads comment that it all looks so good they will need to keep it for themselves, and quotes are being sought for a sign reading “No Admittance if under 18”. Interesting idea, but unlikely to get through Community Council……..

Susan Stewart at the Four Seasons advises that permanent Chef Chris Temple has arrived and will start work week commencing 25 March. What is hugely important, both for Susan and Chris, is that Chris is committing to the Four Seasons for an extended period and will use this time to build his reputation, enabling him to one day open his own place in the borders, from whence he hails. I have had sight of the new menu for the Meall Reamhar and it looks good to me! Vegetarian and vegan options are provided and an allergen folder is available on request. Younger diners are catered for through half size portions.

Susan is keen to emphasize that the hotel is open for business for drop-in trade from mid-day until late daily. She has some celebrations specifically highlighted in her blog and is delighted to host a visit on May 18 (World Whisky Day) from Colin Scott, the Master Blender of Chivas Brothers, when a selection of whiskies will be served as accompaniments to a menu designed by Chris Temple. More information is available from the Four Seasons blog in this publication and also the village website.

By the time you read this, the St Fillans Golf Course Clubhouse will be open for the 2019 Season. Members have been busy redecorating the main public areas and it is looking good. The catering team have added a fancy coffee machine to their equipment, and their menus will continue last year’s successes. During the last 12 months, the golf course condition and playability were hugely improved thanks to the work of the new club groundsman. So much so, that positive comment was regularly received from visitors. Please remind your golfing friends and guests that the course welcomes visitors. The traditional nature of the course and its fine condition will provide a positive experience. As Sandy Lyle has said, it is his “favourite inland course in Scotland”.

Ruth Graham, who promotes the village walking group, reports that a group of villagers (see pic, right) recently enjoyed a lovely wander from Lochearnhead along the old railway track (many points of interest being identified by Geoff Carter) en-route to Mhor 84 for a bite of lunch.

Having been refuelled, they set off on the return walk, a circuit of 7 miles. Other villagers who were unable to complete the walk joined for lunch too.

The next walk is planned for the Easter weekend, Saturday 20th April, when it is planned to do a circuit starting from the Earthquake House in Comrie. More details to follow after a recce of the route is completed! If you’re interested in joining this group or just this walk, please send Ruth an email (ruth.graham75@ btinternet.com) so she can include you in further communications.

Andrea and Terry of Aqulla Ecology hope to continue their bird watching walks in April and timings will be announced firstly via their Facebook page and then by the village events website. A week or two back, I saw Terry poking a net down a road drain…? Under “cross examination” he revealed that he was rescuing small mammals and amphibians which had fallen or had been washed down into the gulleys. Seeing is believing and the pics below show some toads and a newt he

Toads...

recovered from a couple of drains. Andrea then sent me a scientific paper covering a trial of “ladders” which can be placed down drains to allow creatures to escape.

She has secured a couple of these and they have been placed in drains in the village. I will report back as her St Fillans trial proceeds and may even get a pic of something escaping via a ladder. Andrea is also planning a family day at Comrie Croft for Easter weekend.

Information on this should be available via the usual channels by the time you read this!

Bruce

... and a Newt

September in the Rain Killin Drama Club to perform in Sandison Hall STOP PRESS: On 25th May in Sandison Hall, Killin Drama Club will present their award winning play September in the Rain by John Godber as part of a fund-raising evening for St Fillans Golf Club. The play follows on from last year’s production of Happy Jack as Yorkshire coal miner Jack and his wife Liz, reminisce about their many holidays at Blackpool. Poignant, touching and well punctuated with comedy scenes at Blackpool Tower and on the Big Dipper, come along and join Jack & Liz on this adventure. Comedy sketches will complete the evening. Tickets from St Fillans Golf Club £12 – includes light refreshments.

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Spring at The Four Seasons The days are getting longer and that means that the spectacular views from The Four Seasons Hotel are lasting into the evenings. Spring is the sign of new beginnings and in keeping with the season we are delighted to be welcoming Chris Temple into his new post of Head Chef. A seasoned professional, Chris, after visiting last autumn, decided it was time and St Fillans the place to lay down some roots and build his reputation before opening his own restaurant in the Borders in a few years’ time.

He is relishing the challenge of taking on the responsibilities of food at The Four Seasons and is making it one of his personal goals to expand his knowledge and offerings for what is becoming an increasing demand for special dietary requirements such as gluten free, vegetarian and vegan. He has been working on exciting new menus for both our loch view restaurants, the award winning 2* rosette Meall Reamhar and of course The Tarken.

The spring Tarken menu will be ringing the changes this month with Cobblers, Light bites and Open Sandwiches as well as the more traditional pies and fish and chips.

Meanwhile, The Meall Reamhar is kicking off the year with Bank Holiday Brunch on both Easter Sunday and Monday - also opens for dinner from Good Friday with spring creations. We want to put good food in front of everyone, all four seasons, so if you want just one course or more, dishes are priced accordingly and whilst the pet friendly Tarken serves lunch and dinner everyday, dinner will also be served in the Meall Reamhar from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Call 01764 685333 to make your reservation and we will look forward to welcoming you soon.

Up and coming diary dates include...…

29th March we are following a South American theme for our Food and Wine Pairing Evening for £75 per person - just a nod to the day’s Other big event!

30th & 31st March - we are celebrating Mother’s Day with a Strawberry Cream Tea Brunch will be available in true American Style over bank holiday weekends (Easter, May and August) 18th May we will be celebrating World Whisky Day with a date in our diaries with Chivas regal’s Master Blender, Colin Scott - an evening not to be missed.

30th November - St Andrews Night with “The Midges” 29th February 2020 - Leap Year Birthday Party Full details can be found on our website or by calling the hotel on 01764 685333

Stirling MP supports Sir David Attenborough pledge to tackle Plastics pollution

Stephen Kerr MP for Stirling joined Sir David Attenborough CBE in Parliament to speak out on tackling plastic pollution across the globe. Sir David is accredited with bringing the issue of plastic pollution to the fore, with his much-acclaimed BBC One series Blue Planet.

At the event, it was announced that the UK Government has pledged aid support for plastic recycling in countries across the globe. The Department for International Development are calling for solutions to clearing plastic waste from the world’s oceans and rivers. The majority of plastic pollution is sourced from countries such as Indonesia and China as well as many developing countries that need our support to develop their recycling infrastructure.

Sir David Attenborough CBE said: “Now the world globally is producing every year 400 million tonnes of plastic and 10 million tonnes of that goes into the oceans…The consequences of this both to humanity and life in the seas upon which we depend is hideous.”

Stephen Kerr MP said: “Meeting Sir David was a huge privilege. He has done so much for the environment by raising awareness of the challenges the world faces and urging action. Sir David’s event put a spotlight on the UK’s commitment to reducing plastic waste across the world, and the opportunity for Britain to be at the forefront of these global conservation efforts. “

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A Day in The Life of...

An MP.... part two!

by Luke Graham Being an MP really is a job of 2 halves: an MP’s role in Parliament and an MP’s role in the constituency. In last month’s article I had written about what the average day in Parliament is like, this month I thought However, some cases can take months it would be useful to cover the other half to resolve and while that can extremely frustrating, especially when you feel like a of my role – working in our constituency.

Just like in Parliament, no two days in breakthrough isn’t coming, my team and the constituency are exactly the same. I have learnt that persistency pays off the However, there is a degree of consistency vast majority of the time. Unfortunately, in my working days in Ochil and South it is not always possible to resolve every Perthshire. Typically, I will travel up issue, or reach a conclusion that is either on a Wednesday evening, after the satisfactory to the constituent, and that is votes are completed, or on a Thursday always hard to accept, but we rarely take depending on Parliamentary business. the first answer we are given and will often For example, if there are departmental go through several rounds with officials in questions on a Thursday morning for a local councils, Edinburgh and London to department which is important to our deliver the best result we can. constituency, such as the Department On Friday’s I will usually make sure I for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, I visit whichever office I didn’t attend will often try to stay down in Parliament the previous day. This may involve to ensure constituents interests are catching up with the staff in the office, represented to the department and its or holding meetings with constituents, ministers. In those circumstances I will local businesses or community groups usually travel back to the constituency looking to discuss a particular issue with around lunchtime on a Thursday, where I me. After that I will usually be out of the can then spend the afternoon in one of my office on a couple of visits, often to local schools, businesses or meeting with local constituency offices.

I have two offices in our constituency; councillors to discuss a particular issue. one in Crieff and the other in Alloa, This can often be a very interesting and as our constituency is made up of quite fun day – in the last year alone, I have two very distinct counties, with two visited post depots, distilleries (including separate councils - Perth and Kinross and Glenturret), Highland Spring, a timber mill, Clackmannanshire. Each county comes helped dig over a community garden in with their own demographics, challenges, Clackmannanshire and did a day’s work on opportunities and geography. Ironically, I a dairy farm in Kinross-shire. cover Scotland’s smallest county the “Wee Saturday is usually a surgery day, County” and a large portion of the “Big to date, I have held over 270 surgeries County”, having these two Parliamentary around our constituency, holding them in offices means that in spite of the logistical church halls, community centres, on street and budgetary challenges (my budget is the same as every other MP), my team and I are able to be as accessible as possible and support constituents to the best of our ability.

When I get back to our constituency, the Thursday afternoon is often a useful time to sit down with my team of caseworkers (I only have 1 member of staff in London, who is a Perthshire lad!) and catch up on the latest pieces of casework that have come in that week, or to check up on the progress of other cases that have been on going. I have found casework can be one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. Sometimes you can have tremendous success very quickly, such as the time when we successfully stopped a constituent being sent back to Peru.

stalls, in CABs and soon in some of the local pubs (coming soon!). In the summer I try to do street surgeries whereby my team and I will visit a town or village and knock on doors to ask if there are any issues they wish to raise with their MP. During last summer’s surgery tour of the constituency we knocked on over 1,000 doors, dealing with hundreds of pieces of casework as a result. I will be doing this again this coming summer, having done it the last two summers. It has proven immensely popular and is a great way to get to the villages and settlements which I don’t ordinarily get to visit during term time, plus it’s an excuse to get out in the sunshine and meet folk who don’t usually expect to see their MP. Once surgeries are completed, I will try to make a visit to a local community event which is taking place on any particular weekend. This can range from agricultural shows in the summer to the turning on of Christmas lights in the winter; most recently I attended the Auchterarder “Race Night” fundraiser in aid of the local girl’s rugby team.

In politics, especially at this time, so many column inches and social media posts are taken up with the negatives about councillors/MSPs/MPs, and I have learnt how negative news (true or not) travels 1,000 times further and faster than anything positive. However, I have also learnt that there is such variety in my daily work, it is impossible to be bored in this job, and although it can often be challenging, an individual MP can make an enormous difference for individuals, communities, his/her constituency and occasionally, the nation as a whole. 21 months into the job, my team and I have completed over 4800 individual pieces of casework, helped secure over £250k in funding for community groups and secured over £65m of direct UK Government investment for Perth & Kinross. A little done so far, hopefully a lot more to do ahead.

If you have any issues or concerns please contact me at my office on 2 Comrie Street, Crieff, by telephone (01764 680384) or by email (luke.grahamoffice@parliament.uk).

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More ramblings about

Dundurn Parish Serious Motor Accident at St Fillans

Boy rendered unconscious On Friday 26th July 1907 a rather serious motor accident took place on the outskirts of St Fillans, whereby a young local boy was run down by a motor car and seriously injured. It appears that the boy, John Duncan McFarlane, 14 years of age, of Corranour, was transporting some luggage in his barrow from the village to Wester Dundurn Farmhouse, when just at the east end of the village a motorcar travelling westward at a rapid rate, dashed into the barrow and ran down the lad, who sustained severe concussion of the brain, besides several serious bruises to other parts of his body. He has since been under constant medical attention, remaining unconscious, for the better part of two weeks.

It transpired that the car, the property of Mr Dewhurst of Aberuchill Castle, was being driven by his chauffeur Mr Winstanley. He was later convicted at Perth Sheriff Court, and small payments made to the owners of the barrow and the luggage. However, given the serious nature of her son’s injuries, Mrs Jane McFarlane decided to raise an action in court against the owners of Aberuchill, seeking compensation for both herself and her son, claiming £500 on her own behalf and £750 as tutrix for her pupil son.

Local Widow takes on Landed Gentry and wins Lord Guthrie in the Court of Session on 8th January 1908 heard council on the adjustment of issues in the action by Mrs Jane McFarlane against Mrs Annie Maud Dewhurst, and others the trustees of George L Dewhurst of Blakemere, Cheshire, a Cotton Magnate, who died 26th July 1907 leaving £300.000.

His Lordship dismissed the action brought by the pursuer as an individual.

However, as tutrix for her son he sustained the relevancy, but, instead of a jury trial, ordered the case to be tried before himself.

The defenders claimed that Mr Dewhurst’s estate was not liable because (1) Winstanley had taken out the car contrary to express orders and on business of his own. (2) at the time of the accident he was not in the employ of Mr Dewhurst, the latter having died between 4 and 5pm, while the accident took place at 7pm: and (3) the accident was the fault of the boy himself, or at any rate he materially contributed to it.

On these three points his Lordship found as follows: - First, his Lordship did 10

John with his handcart at Shoemakers Lane

not think that Winstanley was acting outwith his employment and on his own business. Winstanley said - “on the day of the accident I went to Comrie. I had nothing really to go for. I was just taking a run”. Accepting this evidence (although with some difficulty), and assuming that his actions were in no way connected with testing the new chains on the car, as the pursuers alleged, and were not only without orders, but were contrary to Mr Dewhurst’s express instructions given at Comrie station three or four months prior to the accident, it did not follow that he was on his own business. By that time, he had learned by a wire addressed to Macintosh the news of his master’s death and was proceeding to make the death known to Ferguson, the Lochearnside head keeper, the content of the wire had not been disclosed, nor had Macintosh or Ferguson been examined. But it seemed clear that it was proper and important that heads of departments should know at the earliest possible moment their master’s death, so that they might not undertake fresh responsibilities until the defendants were in the saddle.

Second, could the estate be affected with liabilities for Winstanley’s fault at the time of the accident, not having yet been engaged or taken over by anyone representing the estate? The defendants did not deny that the effect of Mr Dewhurst’s mandate might survive at the time of the accident, and at least until the end of the day after, up to which time Winstanley was entitled to wages from the estate; but they maintained that they could only be rendered liable for fault committed in connection with acts reasonably necessary for the

preservation of the deceased’s estate.

His Lordship agreed with this view, but he thought Winstanley was at the time of the accident engaged on business reasonably necessary for that purpose.

Third, His Lordship after examining the circumstances held that the boy did not materially contribute to the accident by turning the barrow outwards to draw it onto the footpath, instead of turning it inwards and pushing the whole barrow onto the footpath, a movement that might have been wiser, although it was not clear that the accident would have thereby been avoided. Professor Littlejohn admitted that he had noticed a failure of memory in the boy and his Lordship could not doubt that as an applicant for a situation involving physical and mental strain a boy who was known to have received an injury involving a fracture of the skull would be handicapped in competition with others.

In summing up he found for the pursuer and assessed the damages at £200 with expenses, which he estimated at from £50 to £100 Prior to enlisting in the Black Watch in 1916 John Duncan McFarlane was in the employment of Messrs Harley & Watt, Chemists, Crieff. He received his training at Ripon, and when completed was sent with a draft of his regiment to India, being for a time stationed at Bangalore. He then proceeded to Mesopotamia, where he remained for over a year, and went to Palestine in April 1918, where he, after the result of shrapnel wounds, died on 3rd June 1918.

He was educated at Morrison’s Academy, Crieff, and was a young man of much promise.

The Old Crock

Balquhidder Church News MUSINGS FROM THE MANSE

A Note from St Angus First of all, a huge thank you to Sandy and Ginny Stewart for so generously opening their doors to another Pancake Day in aid of St Angus’s. No-one seemed in a hurry to leave which is always a good sign! We raised over £400 for Church funds so a big thank you also to those of you who kindly supported us.

I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again - we don’t mean this to be an exclusive event and if you would like an invitation in future do let someone in the Church know. I’m sure you will appreciate that since it has always been held in a private house, we just need to have some control over numbers and to be aware of security for the host.

The takings were down a little on past years, but we missed Paddy’s guiding hand and organisational skills. She kept us on our toes!

Someone asked me recently what “episcopal” meant. From my many trips to Greece I can say with some confidence that the word comes from the Greek “episcopos” meaning bishop. Our friends in the Church of Scotland might well say “who needs bishops?!” Well, I can say from experience I have found them of great benefit. Let me tell you of one particular experience - in 1979 my husband who was Vicar in a remote parish in the Yorkshire Dales was literally struck down by a heart complaint which needed major invasive open- heart surgery.

As he was rushed off to hospital in Newcastle 60 odd miles away, I phoned our Bishop to let him know. His reply was “I’ll meet you at the hospital.” Sure enough he was there as I arrived talking with the staff and met me with a bear hug and the reassurance that “everything’s going to be all right.” So, instead of a tear-stained jibbering wreck I was able to find my husband feeling quite calm and collected and to give him the support he needed. The Bishop had left a meeting and driven at full speed all the way from Harrogate to Newcastle. Sometime later he told me that he had set his alarm to ring at 3.0am every night to pray for both of us until the crisis was over. An act of Christian kindness I shall never forget or cease to appreciate. The Latin definition of “bishop” is “pastor pastorum” literally shepherd of the shepherds. Sadly, these days with reduced resources in the Church the role seems to be more about administration, and I doubt many bishops are able to give the time they would like to ministering to their clergy. So, there you have it. I’m a great supporter of bishops! You now know too - if you didn’t already - why we are called the Episcopal Church.

Fiona Martin (The Pew Ponderer)

Will it Be Different?

I came upon a brilliant song on YouTube by an American duo known as Mandarin Orange. They are a talented couple and well worth a look. The song is called Wildfire and it is about the American Civil War and racism in the Southern States.

What makes it so powerful is it’s written by a couple from the South who are protesting against their own culture. Here are some of the words: Civil war came, civil war went. Brother fought brother, the South was spent But its true demise was hatred, passed down through the years.

It should have been different, it could have been easy But pride has a way of holding too firm to history And it burns like wildfire.

History and myth are always intertwined and very hard to distinguish or separate.

Yet this mixture can be a lethal cocktail which drives ‘identity politics’ and ‘identity religion.’ We live in disturbing times. Europe is in crisis and liberalism and multiculturalism are seen in many quarters to be failed enterprises. The problem is that the ‘culture wars’ being generated are fuelled by competing historical myths whether European or Islamic and this is creating a ‘them’ and ‘us’ situation which always has serious consequences. Perhaps we should remind ourselves of the fallibility and provisionality of all historical perspectives.

During the Gulf War of 1991, an eight man British Army SAS patrol, codenamed Bravo 20, went out on a mission deep behind Iraqi lines. What followed has become the subject of fierce controversy. Apparently, epitomising ‘glorious failure’ and incredible heroism against all the odds, this mission has become one of the most scrutinised and debated episodes in recent British military history.

Starting with the patrol leader Andy McNab’s best-selling account, we now have, at least five books on the subject, three written by patrol members, one by the SAS Regimental Sergeant Major at the time, Peter Radcliffe, and one by Michael Asher a former soldier, explorer and fluent Arabic speaker, who tried to re-trace the steps of the patrol, interview Arab witnesses and discover what ‘really happened.’ This last work was televised as a documentary. McNab’s work was also made into a Film. Amidst claim and counter claim (the patrol members do not agree with one another), there have been accusations of High Command betrayal, patrol incompetence, and allegations of a major fabrication. There have been civil court cases and extensive news coverage. If in this modern age of investigative journalism, intensive media operations and television documentaries, we still are unsure about the real ‘truth’ behind a much publicised incident in living memory where many of the participants are still alive and vocal, what chance do we have in reconstructing older or ancient history? Yet historical perspectives, and beliefs or convictions that arise from them, are at the heart of ideological, social, cultural and political identities; being instrumental in the founding and sustaining of nations and civilisations throughout time. History matters. Think for example of the myths surrounding Scottish identity! But how much of it is true? That applies to every race, culture and religion and we need to be reminded about this.

In Europe, there is a definite clash of cultures which is looking increasingly ominous. The future cannot be forged if we all dwell in the past. Both European and Islamic narratives need to be critically assessed. The recent horror in New Zealand testifies to what can go wrong when hatred, usually based on an unbalanced view of history and reality, festers and is given vent in a violent way. The Islamic community is right to feel they are, to some extent at least, misunderstood and misrepresented. This certainly has increased the intimidation many Muslims feel on the streets of Europe. But anti-Semitism is a major problem within Islamic communities too but this is often denied. Furthermore, the influence of anti-Western elements within some parts of the Islamic community is also concerning. Unfortunately, perceived historical grievances are raised by both sides. The Golden age of Islam is remembered especially in Eastern Europe as a very dark period. Likewise, Muslim countries will point out the problems caused by the Imperial European Powers over the last two hundred years. There is truth and myth in all of this, unfortunately. But we need to move beyond that. This will require, time effort, humility, honesty and realism both from our Politicians and the general public. As an old prayer says: “Lord have mercy!”

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Want to speak to your local Councillors about Council issues?

Come along to your Councillor’s surgery – no appointment needed. All welcome!

Pin-Feathers

*

*Once in demand by Victorian miniaturists, the tiny pin-feather comes from the leading edge of a woodcock’s wing and only two such feathers occur on each bird (one on each wing).

This month, Old Nyati shares some thought provoking sayings from American Indian culture.

This month I am leaving it to the readers to think of these words, however they wish to interpret them. Look closely at that image of planet earth. And read, below, the thoughts of American Indians long gone. Think carefully... what are your thoughts on the last quotation?

If the earth were only a few feet in diameter, floating a few feet above a field somewhere, people would come from everywhere to marvel at it.

People would walk round it, marvelling at the big pools of water, its little pools and the water flowing between the pools. People would marvel at the bumps on it, and the holes in it, and they would marvel at the very thin layer of gas surrounding it and the water suspended in the gas.

The people would marvel at all the creatures walking around the surface of the ball and the creatures in the water.

The people would declare it as sacred, because it was the only one, and they would protect it so that it would not be hurt.

The ball would be the greatest wonder known, and people would come to pray to it, to be healed, to gain knowledge, to know beauty and to wonder how it could be.

LOCAL SURGERIES WARD 1–TROSSACHS AND TEITH Councillor Tweed, Councillor Earl Councillor McDonald

2019 People would love it and defend it with their lives because they would somehow know that their lives, their own roundness, could be nothing without it.

If the Earth were only a few feet in diameter.

The world burns every night on the news, then you see this, and humanity comes into focus: If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts will also happen to the man.

And finally...

There is a battle of two wolves inside each one of us: one of anger, jealousy, greed, lies, resentment, inferiority and ego; one of joy, peace, love and hope, humility kindness and truth.

The winning Wolf? The one you feed.

Old Nyati

Instructions: Melt the butter, add milk.

In the separate bowl mix the eggs, sugar and vanilla extract until nearly tripled in size. (Use the electric mixer).

Add lemon juice and the lemon peel.

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Wednesday 3 April Gartmore Village Hall – 7.00pm – Cllr Earl Monday 8 April Muir Hall, Doune – 7.00pm – Cllr McDonald Monday 8 April Callander Youth Project – 7.00pm – Cllr Earl Thursday 11 April Brig o Turk Village Hall – 7.00pm – Cllr McDonald Monday 15 April Port of Menteith Village Hall – 6.30pm Cllr McDonald Wednesday 17 April Thornhill Primary School – 7.00pm Cllr Tweed Wednesday 24 April Lochearnhead Village Hall – 7.00pm Cllr McDonald Thursday 2 May Aberfoyle Memorial Hall – 6.45pm Cllr McDonald

Tuesday 9 May Brig o’ Turk Village Hall – 7.00pm – Cllr Tweed

The Swedish almond and lemon cake.

It is very soft & fresh. Can be baked in a form of almond cupcakes with lemon icing on the top. A very good choice for the Easter feast this year.

Icing: 1 cup of icing sugar, 3 tbs lemon juice. Mix together until smooth.

Tuesday 2 April Killin Primary School – 7.00pm Cllr McDonald

Monday 6 May Crianlarich Village Hall – 7.00pm Cllr McDonald

Kasia’s Co okin’... Mazainer

Ingredients: 200g butter 200ml milk 3 eggs 1 cup of caster sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 125g of marzipan 1 lemon (juice and the peel) 300g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder

Monday 1 April Crianlarich Village Hall – 7.00pm – Cllr Earl

Monday 13 May Muir Hall, Doune – 7.00pm – Cllr Earl Monday 13 May Callander Youth Project – 7.00pm – Cllr Tweed Monday 3 June Crianlarich Village Hall – 7.00pm Cllr McDonald Wednesday 5 June Thornhill Primary School – 7.00pm – Cllr Earl Wednesday 5 June Strathyre Village Hall – 7.00pm – Cllr McDonald

Add the grated marzipan. Mix well.

Add the flour, baking powder and the mixture of butter with milk. Gently fold together until incorporated, but not longer. The best is to use the spatula, not the mixer.

Line the form (24x24cm) with the baking paper. Transfer the dough into the form.

Bake in a fan oven in 160C for 30-40min increasing the temperature to 170C in the last 10 min.

After the cake is slightly cooled down decorate with icing.

Smacznego!

Kasia

Thursday 6 June Kinlochard Village Hall – 6.45pm – Cllr Earl Monday 10 June Deanston Primary School – 7.00pm Cllr Tweed Monday 10 June Callander Youth Project – 7.00pm Cllr McDonald Thursday 13 June Brig o’ Turk Village Hall – 7.00pm Cllr McDonald Monday 17 June Port of Menteith Village Hall – 6.30pm Cllr Earl

Balquidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Inaugural Community Council Meeting: Minutes Wednesday 27th February 2019 at 7.30 pm, Balquidder Village Hall Present: Angus Cameron; William Dalziel; Eunice Frame; David Johnston; Donald MacLaren of MacLaren; Ruth McLusky; Andrew Poulter In attendance: Cllr Earl (SC); Pam Campbell (SC); + 1 resident Apologies: Jeanette Stewart At the conclusion of the establishment meeting of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Community Council chaired

by Pam Campbell, Senior Community Link Officer, Stirling Council, the new chairman of BLS CC, David Johnson, held a short meeting of the new CC members.

DJ proposed that the new committee continue with several items outstanding from September 2018 at the cessation of previous CC. The following will be added to the agenda for April: • A request from the Housing Association to come and talk to us – They will be contacted after the AGM on June 5th with a list of possible dates.

• Possible Community Council website – designed by Paul Hicks? – to include items to be discussed at the next CC meeting • Stirling Council is looking to create a number of rural Community Hubs and because of the Balquhidder Community Broadband project have approached Balquhidder Hall in relation to developing the hall for this purpose. Discussions on what can be achieved are at an early stage, but the purpose of the development is to provide a facility which can be used and would benefit all three villages. Therefore, the support of the CC and the Trust would be essential, and DJ suggested that the Community Hub should be placed as a standing item on the CC agenda.

In addition BLS CC require to • record CC assets for insurance purposes and inform Stirling Council by Mar 15th and • locate Accounts for the year ending 2019 • create a generic email address to comply with the new data regulations.

BLSCC@. . .. was suggested.

NB BLS CC meeting quorum is 4.

Local councillors: Martin Earl, Jeremy Macdonald, Evelyn Tweed National Park representative: Billy Ronald Next meeting of BLS CC: April 24th Lochearnhead Village Hall at 19.30 AGM of BLS CC: June 5th Strathyre Village Hall at 19.30

Exciting news for dog owners in The Villagers area, and beyond; there is a new canine specialist feed stockist in the area.

CSJ Specialist canine nutrition may be familiar to some of you already as it is widely used by many farmers, gundog, hound and other working dog owners throughout Scotland, but has often been difficult to source and expensive to have delivered locally. Problems solved as Perthshire’s newest official stockist is now right here on your doorstep in Strathyre.

CSJ Specialist Canine Nutrition was begun over 20 years ago and has become one of the fastest growing dog food brands since 1998 when international sheepdog triallist, Ceri Rundle, was unable to find an affordable, quality, extruded food that suited her own dogs.

The available premium quality foods were too expensive and the cheaper ones a case of false economy with the resultant sloppy stools and/or thin, hungry dogs.

With the help of vets, herbalist and the UK’s leading nutritionist, Ceri devised a unique range of natural canine feeds, herbal supplements and treats to meet the requirements of all working dogs and has now become the first choice

for many of the top dog handlers in the following sports: agility dogs • flyball • gundogs heelwork to music • obedience show dogs • sled dogs • sheepdogs working trial dogs CSJ canine feed uses only top quality, natural ingredients, with an extensive range to meet the needs of all dogs of all ages - and all pockets!

Food can be collected from us in Strathyre or delivered locally. You can see a full range of products at csjk9.com where we also have samples of bestsellers and more information.

Call Keith on 07876674400 or Jill on 07833596949

Strathearn Churches Pilgrimage Friday, 3rd May 10 am St Columba’s, Crieff, walk to St Serf’s, Comrie Saturday, 4th May 10 am St Serf’s, Comrie, walk to St Fillans Sunday, 5th May 10 am Station Road, St Fillan’s, walk to Lochearnhead Monday, 6th May 10 am St Angus’s, Lochearnhead, walk to St Fillan’s Church, Killin All welcome! Do join any of the walks forming the Three Saints Way. The walks are between 7 and 8.5 miles, and some terrain is easier than others, sociable dogs welcomed. Meeting at 10 am and finishing around 3pm. Generally, we begin with coffee and croissants before prayers and end the day with refreshments. We like to know who is coming in advance so that transport back can be arranged. Please contact Emma Barrie email: mrsebarrie@yahoo.co.uk Tel. 01764.671182 or Ken Heiser email: shacklemariner@yahoo.co.uk Tel/text: 07518.839170.

Saturday, 18th May, 2.30pm-5.30pm Book Sale with tea and cake at St Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Killin.

Saturday, 15th June, 2.30-5.30pm Book Sale with tea and cake at St Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Killin.

Emma Barrie - 01764.680384 Treasurer, St Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Killin 13

Red Kites in Scotland

the UK; 5000 in England, 1000 in Wales and 350 in Scotland where they routinely raise 2 young, the top end of the European average.

The methods used in this project formed a ‘best practice’ for other bird reintroductions; quarantined chicks were moved at 4-5 weeks old and raised in an outdoor aviary, avoiding familiarisation with humans. Wing tags and VHF radio trackers provided useful information.

The Central Scotland Raptor Study Group now monitors 40-50 nests in the Stirling & Trossachs area, with the wider SRSG checking for new colonisation as birds spread between the original release sites.

Red kites are relatively light weight at 1-1.2kg (buzzards 1.3-1.5kg) and do not have strong talons so eat carrion or small animals up to the size of young rabbits.

They nest in mature trees, preferring open deciduous woodland to dense conifer plantations. They line their large nests with lambs’ wool but, as Shakespeare warned in The Winter’s Tale, “when the kite builds, look to your lesser linen” in reference to them stealing washing hung out to dry!

They stay around all year, may travel up to 20 miles to winter roosts (of up to 150 in Central Scotland) and move to feed in response to snow cover.

Although red kites pose no threat to any land use interests, their major threat remains persecution. Eating carrion makes them vulnerable to accidental or targeted poisoning; 70-90% of dead birds have been found to contain rodenticides and

39% had lead poisoning from ingested shot. Illegal persecution of kites and other raptors is increasingly associated with practices such as driven grouse shooting in upland areas. Although there is evidence that illegal poisoning is declining, there is also evidence that criminals are employing technology such as thermal imaging cameras to aid night-time shooting of roosting birds. Voluntary self-regulation is not always working and prosecutions are rare so the Scottish government is (slowly) looking at regulatory options. If you see anything suspicious or find a dead raptor, please give details and photos to the police.

Lesley Hawkins

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.

Duncan Orr-Ewing, RSPB’s Scotland’s Head of Species and Land Management, has been involved throughout the successful 30-year reintroduction of red kites into Scotland so was well-qualified to speak at our Callander SWT meeting in February. If you have never seen these beautiful birds with their chestnut and white plumage and distinctive forked tail, I would recommend a visit to Argaty to watch and try to photograph their acrobatics. (argatyredkites.co.uk) The red kite was once abundant and widely distributed across the UK, providing an important street-cleaning service by scavenging in towns; our version of the vulture. However, records show they were virtually extinct by 1875-1900 due to human persecution, the taxidermy trade and egg collecting. The last documented breeding attempts in the Scotland Highlands were in the 1870-1880s.

Between 1989 and 2009 a joint RSPB Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage project reintroduced red kites to Scotland in phases; 93 from Sweden to the Black Isle, 103 from East Germany to Doune, 104 from N Scotland & the Chilterns to Dumfries & Galloway and, finally, 101 from the Chilterns & Central Scotland to the outskirts of Aberdeen. The first pair bred in Perth & Kinross in 2001 and new areas are being recolonized every year.

Red kites are only found in Europe, ~30,000 pairs in total with ~6000 pairs in

Monachyle

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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

Orienteering

Lochearnhead and St Fillans will see an influx of some 3,000 orienteers of all ages, shapes and sizes descending on the area over the period 28th July-3rd August this year. For the first time in over 40 years the Scottish 6 Days Orienteering event is being staged in Strathearn and Perthshire. The event consists of six races, with an additional Trail O event, suitable for disabled competitors, at Drummond Castle. Particularly relevant to those in The Villagers area are: 28 Jul: Auchingarrich near Comrie.

Scottish Wildlife Trust 29 Jul: Edinchip Estate [parking in Lochearnhead as per the games]. Many CALLANDER LOCAL GROUP thanks to Alex Bowers and Gus Cameron TALKS PROGRAMME 2018-19 for enabling this event.

30 Jul: Dundurn & Cnoc a’Mhadaidh at Meetings start at 7:30pm St Fillans [parking beyond the Golf Course, Kirk Hall, Church St, which will be closed for the day]. Many Callander FK17 8BN thanks to Michael Aldridge at Drummond estates, Ian and Moira McLarty at Little Port Farm and all at St Fillans Golf Course.

This will be a World Ranking event.

Though pre-entry is normal, there is entry-at-the-event every day if you would Tuesday 9th April ‘19 like to give it a go! Courses range from Gardening with Wildlife technically very difficult and demanding + very brief AGM to easy so there is orienteering to suit Suzanne Burgess, any ability. There is even a “string course” Buglife Scotland Manager made available for the very youngest competitors such as toddlers and young Suggested donations to cover costs: Members £2, non-members £2.50 families. The event centre is Crieff with an students free event-specific campsite at Comrie Croft. includes tea/coffee & biscuits The event website is at 111.scottish6days.com Local Contact: Lesley Hawkins 01877 339080 mlhawkins@tiscali.co.uk General information available on swt.org.uk

The event will have a significant impact on the local area, with orienteers booking local accommodation, spending in local shops and businesses and looking for activities over and above their days of orienteering. With around 1,000 extra cars in the area there will of course be some minor disruption, but we have also offered the option of a shuttle bus service from a few pick-up points to try and reduce impact. Many orienteers return back to areas used by the Scottish 6 Days having seen what Scotland has on offer we are sure they will not be disappointed with Strathearn.

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 April • Sat 6 08:30 Hill: Beinn an Fhogharaidh (616m) Contact 01877 382682 • Sat 13 08:30 LDT: FCP(1) Newburgh to Balmerino (11 miles) Contact 01877 330032 • Wed 17 09:30 Ramble: Waltersmuir Reservoir (5 miles) Contact 01786 823086 • Wed 24 09:30 Stroll: Logie & Sherriffmuir (4 miles) Contact 07737 682426 • Sat 27 08:30 LDP: FCP(2) Balmerino to Tayport (9 miles) Contact 01877 330032 May • Wed 1 09:30 Ramble: Pools of Muckhart Circular (8½ miles) Contact 07737 682426 • Wed 8 09:30 Stroll: River Teith Stroll (4 miles) Contact 01786 841240 • Wed 22 09:30 Stroll: Gillies Hill (4 miles) Contact 01877 330446 • Sat 25 08:30 Hill: Beinn na Lap (incl train) (937m) Contact 01786 825877 • Wed 29 09:30 Ramble: Uamh Tom a Mhor Fhir (9 miles) Contact 01877 330169

Chimney Sweeping in your area soon

June • Sat 1 09:30 Stroll: Along the Airth sea wall (5 miles) Contact 01786 825682 • Professional Chimney Sweeping • Can be done in any weather • No Mess • Part of ICS

WE WILL BE SWEEPING NEAR YOU ON WEDNESDAY 10TH APRIL

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.

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm | 21 Main Street, Callander FK17 8DU 01877 330 643 • 07795 966 514 www.feedsandstoves.co.uk | Dawn@feedsandstoves.co.uk Bicycle Tree Flyer.indd 2

25/03/2019 14:41

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McLaren High School S4 Safe Drive Stay Alive Experience Safe Drive Stay Alive is an organisation which aims to reduce casualties and deaths due to Road Traffic Incidents.

Around 1 in 4 deaths on the road are young people aged 17-24. Safe Drive Stay Alive aims to help reduce this statistic by delivering hard-hitting presentations on the dangers of not driving safely to young people who will soon be learning to drive.

On the 6th of February, all S4s got the chance to go to the MacRobert Arts Centre to watch this presentation. We travelled by coach, and when we got there, we were welcomed into the main theatre.

The lights were off, but multicoloured disco lights danced around the seats and the stage. Mr Brightside by The Killers was playing and once everybody was seated, the presentation leaders had us all up and dancing to The Proclaimers and doing the YMCA! However, the morning soon took a dramatic turn as we sat down, and a video began to play up on the stage. The video showed four teenagers going out for the evening, the car crash they were involved in, and the aftermath of the crash. The video stopped at different points and various professionals, including police officers, paramedics, nurses and firemen came on to the stage to explain their role in helping with a road traffic collision (RTC). Everyone who came on stage had at some point been involved in helping treat people who had been injured or retrieving dead bodies from RTCs and so they all had very emotional stories to tell about their experiences. The firewoman talked about having to use equipment to break doors and even the roof off cars in order to retrieve bodies, and the paramedics talked about the difficulties of pronouncing a person to be dead and then having to ignore them in order to deal with the living casualties of car crashes. It made the danger of not driving safely so much clearer when we heard stories from the people it affected.

Overall, Safe Drive Stay Alive was an incredibly valuable experience. It really made it clear the horrendous impact that driving dangerously could have on our lives, the lives of the people in the car with us, and our families. I think we all truly learned the value of driving carefully, always wearing a seatbelt, not distracting the driver, and not driving while intoxicated.

Katie Wilson S4

The visit to the Farm!

Achray Farm Visit Pupils attended Achray Farm on Tuesday 19 February as part of Travel and Tourism/ DYW experience. The pupils heard about the owner’s plans to diversify Achray Farm and watched a demonstration of traditional lime mortaring from a local architect. They also learnt about the completed repair of 18th century barns and traditional building skills. The repair of the barns, and the event, was supported by the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority as part of their National Park Grant Scheme which also supported projects delivering learning as part of the 2018 Year of Young People. Pupils had an excellent time and learned many new skills. Thank you to Achray Farm for this great opportunity.

Mock Interviews Mock interviews for all of our S5 pupils took place on Wednesday 20 February. Pupils were officially invited to attend interviews at the McLaren Leisure Centre and had to arrive at their allotted time.

Thank you to our team of volunteer interviewers, made up of parents and members of the McLaren community, who then interviewed the pupils for either a place at further education or a job. Pupils found the event very beneficial and hope it will help them in any forthcoming interviews.

The volunteers commented on how well prepared the pupils were and how well they came across during interviews. A very well received event!

visit our website: w w w. m c l a re n h i g h . c o. u k 16

Music Festival, 7-8 February 2019 In a rescheduled music festival, we welcomed back our dear friend Mrs Jan Green as adjudicator. Jan was the upper strings tutor at McLaren for nearly twenty years. Jan was treated to some sparkling performances in all categories. For all the right reasons she found it difficult to pick winners.

She was thrilled by what she heard, everything from Rachmaninov to Bohemian Rhapsody. Well done to all performers. You should all be very proud of yourselves.

In an unprecedented move, all senior competitors received highly commended awards from Mrs Green.

No wonder, the performances were stunning!

Well done to all performers, you did yourselves proud. Mrs Green had a very difficult job reaching a decision.

The standard of performance was very high with incredibly strong playing throughout. Congratulations everyone!

Comic Relief Our S6 Charities Committee organised a Mufti Day and fancy dress parade on Friday 15 March to raise money for Comic Relief. S6 pupils and staff put in a huge effort with their dressing up costumes and the winners were announced as follows: • S6 pupils 1st place—Freddie Mercury (Iona Whitehead) • S6 pupils 2nd place— 7 Snow Whites and a Dwarf (left to right - Angus Parson, Greg McLachlin, Peter Hayes, Cameron McLay, Max Parsons, James Isgrove, missing Harris Fisher who sadly had a PE prelim) and a dwarf (Tyler Livingstone) • S6 pupils 3rd place— McLaren Care Home (left to right - Katie Drummond, Brodie Haldane, Isla Huckerby, Mika Watson, Katie Murdoch and Courtney Strachan, front) Staff winners were the Science & Technology Faculty with ‘Save our Seas’.

During the day we raised £622.04 for this good cause. Well done everyone!

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I would first of all like to start by saying a big “thank you” to all the messages and support that have been offered to Tracy and I since the boys arrived. We’ve been completely overwhelmed by it all, so I would like to offer a sincere thanks to everyone.

I’m aware that I’ve missed the past few editions as I was fortunate to have had a bit of time off these past few months.

Thankfully in my absence, my colleagues have held the fort for me!

A breakdown of the recorded crimes since my last report is as follows: • Overnight between the 12th and 13th December, there was a break in to KP’s Builders Merchants in Balquhidder. Entry was gained to the premises, but it appears that the perpetrators may have been disturbed, and they left empty handed.

• Between the 13th December and the 23rd February, a set of ladders was stolen from a cottage in Glen Ogle, which is currently under renovations.

• On the 19th December, a male was found to be driving on the A85 between Lochearnhead and St Fillans. When he was stopped by Police, he was found to be disqualified from driving, in addition to having no MOT or insurance for his vehicle. He has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

• On the 21st December, Police were conducting static road checks on the A84 at Lochearnhead when the driver of a vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle was subsequently stopped at Balquhidder and the driver was found to be disqualified from driving, and he had no insurance.

He was charged with failing to stop for Police and dangerous driving, as well as being found in possession of a quantity of controlled drugs. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

• On the 20th January, a male was stopped on Main Street, Strathyre and was found to be in possession of a quantity of controlled drugs. He was issued with a Recorded Police Warning.

A84 - keep to the speed limits!

• On the 16th February, a male was found to be driving at 50mph through Lochearnhead on the A84 and has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal as a result.

• On the 23rd February, on the A84 in Lochearnhead, a male was stopped and found by Police to be in possession of a quantity of controlled drugs. He was issued with a Recorded Police Warning.

• On the 23rd February, on the A85 near to Lochearnhead, a male was stopped and found by Police to be in possession of a quantity of controlled drugs. He was issued with a Recorded Police Warning.

• On the 27th February, a male was stopped on the A84 at Balquhidder and found by Police to be in possession of a quantity of controlled drugs. He was issued with a Recorded Police Warning.

• On the 17th March, 4 static caravans and a shed were broken into on South Loch Earn Road and property was stolen from them. One of the caravans was subsequently set on fire.

If anyone has any information about any of these crimes of note, then please get in touch with me. In regard to the more recent thefts and fire raising, I would ask that the community remain vigilant and report any suspicions to the Police. I appreciate that the local area will start to become busier now as we head towards Easter with more visitors to the area.

As always, I can always be contacted on

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101 or for those who prefer email, I can be contacted directly at william.diamond@ scotland.pnn.police.uk.

Regards, PC Will Diamond

PC 879 William Diamond Lochearnhead Community Officer (“C” Division Mountain Rescue Coordinator) Trossachs and Teith Community Team Police Scotland - Forth Valley Division Lochearnhead FK19 8PT

C&WP U3A receives many ideas about groups which members would be interested to join but the problem is always to find a leader.

The perception is that a leader is also required to be a teacher but this does not necessarily follow. Several of our groups run very successfully by combining the talents and knowledge of their individual members, with the ‘leader’ being the coordinator and contact person. Examples are Scottish History, Antiques Appreciation and Poetry, where research on subjects is shared and members are encouraged to participate actively rather than sit passively at a lecture. At a recent meeting of our group leaders we heard the good news that a second wine tasting group is about to start on the same basis. All it requires is the enthusiasm to get together and pool information on a favourite subject and a new group has begun.

We look forward to adding more and suggestions have been: Calligraphy, Gaelic and more Science.

Contact us on our website: Callander and West Perthshire U3A

Young people help shape National Park’s future on first youth residential event Last weekend 12 young people took part in a youth residential event hosted by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority to look back and celebrate the Year of Young People 2018 and plan future events.

The group aged between 11- 22 years packed their bags and headed to Rowardennan Youth Hostel on Friday 8th March to take part in the first ever youth residential organised by the National Park Authority.

The three day event was created to celebrate the range of initiatives and events the Park Authority held during last year’s Year of Young People and also as an opportunity to allow the young people attending to share their views on what else can be done in the future to encourage more young people to enjoy everything the National Park has to offer.

The group of young people who took part in the event are all members of the National Park Authority’s Youth Committee, Junior Rangers or Young Volunteering programme. However, this is the first time the groups have worked together to plan for the future and share thoughts and ideas.

The Youth Committee and Young Volunteering programme were specifically created to coincide with the Year of Young People to support young people to get out and experience the National Park and gain vital skills they can take with them into their everyday life and beyond.

As well as planning future events, the group also took part in a range of exciting activities including a team challenge to build a shelter, working with National Trust for Scotland Rangers at Ben Lomond to remove invasive Rhododendrons and a night of star gazing.

Twelve-year-old Catriona Manders, from McLaren High School in Callander, who is a member of the National Park Youth Committee and also a Junior Ranger, attended the event. She said: “This year I’ve had the opportunity to do things I never thought I could do. Being able to have our say in the changes to where we live is so important as young people in the National Park.”

The event was made possible thanks to support from Forest Holidays. As part of a partnership with the UK’s National Parks, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is one of three pilot National Parks to benefit from a £5,000 contribution from Forest Holidays towards education work specifically for young people. Hostelling Scotland also supported the event by offering Rowardennan Youth Hostel as a venue.

Charlotte Wallace, Volunteer, Engagement and programme Manager at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park said: “We

were absolutely thrilled to be able to host our first ever youth residential to celebrate our achievements from the Year of Young People 2018. Importantly though, this is a fantastic opportunity, set in the outdoors, to hear directly from the young people who participated in the events of last year.

“Throughout last year the National Park Authority collaborated with young people in a variety of exciting projects and initiatives including creating a Youth Committee that gives young people the chance to work with us and discuss issues that matter to them, a follow on Junior Ranger programme with participants working towards their Scottish Countryside Junior Ranger Award and launching a new Young Volunteer Programme which offers people aged 16 -25 the opportunity to take part in conservation projects across the National Park.

“Young people are vital not only to

the future of the National Park, but also to the here and now. We really value the important role they play in helping to make key decisions about this special place. Our residential was a fantastic opportunity to continue working in partnership with young people to help us to shape our programmes for 2019 and beyond and ensure that young people remain at the heart of the work of the National Park Authority.”

The weekend was a great success and the Park Authority hopes to hold similar events in the future. Increasing opportunities for young people to engage with nature and enjoy the great outdoors is one of the key aims of the National Park Partnership Plan.

For further information on Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority education materials and programmes visit www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/learning

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Strathyre Primary School Hi, it’s me again, Anna. We recently moved back to our new school in Strathyre. We had been in our temporary school building at McLaren High in Callander for a year and a half before then. The first day was a bit confusing because none of us knew the building.

It was all so new and much bigger than before, I was even afraid I might get lost! The new building is very spacious, and we even have a spare classroom which we are right now using as our MIC Hub (MIC stands for Motivate Investigate Create!). We use the Hub for activities like arts and crafts, robotics/STEM, building models etc.

We now have a giant hall which is where we have our lunch and where we do gym. It is so much more comfortable because we no longer have to take the bus to Lochearnhead for PE. There is also a brand-new kitchen for the school cook, and a little kitchen for us pupils to use for our cookery club. It’s so much better than before when the whole school used to have to eat lunch in the big classroom. Back then, I once even found some spaghetti in my drawer after lunch!

After we moved back into our new school, Bob Tindall, a pupil’s grandfather, kindly came in and painted a mural in the hall. It is a beautiful painting of a tree called The Tree of Life. The hall is going to be used for lots of different things, not just lunch and gym. From now on, once a month on a Friday, there will be a community café called Café Strathyre. The café is about bringing people in from the community. People from the local area are invited to come and enjoy some tea, coffee and cakes and to chat to each other and to pupils from the big class and the little class.

It’s nice because ex-pupils and parents of children who used to go to Strathyre Primary School but have now grown up can come back and see how the school is getting on.

We are still working on our school grounds and we have lots of plans to make them the best grounds ever! Overall it’s just an amazing feeling to be back in our own school, much closer to our homes. The new building is brilliant, so why don’t you come and see it for yourself at the next Café Strathyre open day! Anna M

Fitness Friday

Fitness Friday The sports ambassadors run a club every Friday lunchtime it is called ‘the Fitness Friday club’. We made a poster about it and the first twenty people who signed up for the club got to do it, we had a lot of interest shown. The first week we did circuits which was skipping, squats, planks, hula hooping, bunny hops and running. I was managing the skipping station. Jack beside me was running the squats and planks station. It was thirty minutes long and they were in groups of four. Everyone said they really enjoyed it.

The second week we did skipping games. We had a dice game, so basically you had to roll the dice and whatever number it lands on you had to do certain movement. A lot of people enjoyed it and so did we.

We have the beep test, zumba and other fun things to do as well.

Ossian de Arkotxa Dougall, P6

Community Café

Community Café On Friday 22nd March Strathyre primary had their first Community Café in their new hall. The pupils that are in the house Ledi were the children working. There were children taking orders of tea and coffee and the younger ones were helping Mrs Mochan with the crèche.

We put cakes, biscuits, milk and sugar on the table and then once people came in we went and got the drinks order and then took the order to Mrs McDonald or Mrs Keenan who would make the hot drinks and then take them out to the tables. We served about 40 people from the age of a few weeks old to some a tiny bit older!

It was a great morning and people enjoyed coming long for a chat and a hot drink. It was great seeing people of all ages mixing together. All the crèche children had a great time playing with the toys, being in the ball pit.

Our next Community Café is on Friday 26th April, please come along and join us for a coffee and a chat.

Jack Pace-Bain, P6 20

Grounds Day

Grounds Day Grounds day was on Friday 22nd of March. We had a busy day with lots of work to be done and usual typical Strathyre Grounds day it was raining – now and then. The steps up to the friendship hut were in a terrible mess with mud so we lifted the bark chips from around the playground and put them on the steps. We had to shovel the chips into the wheelbarrow and push it up the hill to the steps. The paths had to be cleared and had to be swept as did the playground. We swept up all the bark because it was everywhere. We planted out pots with spring flowers and we cleared out the friendship hut so we can now use it at playtimes. We completed a lot of work and the school grounds are looking amazing. Poppy MacKenzie, P5

Gymnastics

Gymnastics Competition Ava, Anna, Keely and I were in the gymnastics team for Strathyre. We called our group the Strathyre Rainbows. We had to make up a routine of different gymnastic moves. Mrs Keenan asked us what we could all do as individuals and then we made up a routine doing things we could do and were comfortable doing and then set it to music. We practised three times a week at lunchtime for half an hour doing our routine over and over again.

On Thursday 21st March at 4pm we travelled to McLaren High School to compete. We were all a little bit nervous about competing. We competed with 13 other schools and we had to wait for our turn, we were the 10th school to perform.

We sat and watched them all and then it was our turn. We went on the mats, listened for our music and we started. In no time at all our routine was over and we had managed to perform perfectly. We all came off with big grins on our faces as we had finished it but our grins got bigger as when the results came out we were 3rd!

YESSS! We are looking forward to next year’s competition.

Jenna Sneddon, P5

Business fair

Football club

Football Club Every Thursday Mrs Keenan runs the after school football club. Children from P3 to P7 can take part. During this club we normally start with dribbling through cones, then we play dribbling games. For the last twenty minutes we play matches. The club last for an hour and everyone enjoys it. It is on for four weeks and then after that it will be another sport.

Ember Mulhearn, P6

The Tree of Life

Business Fair Our topic this term has been ‘Living and working in the Trossachs’. We decided to have a business fair and we wrote to a lot of local businesses and asked them to come in and to take a table in our hall. A lot of people accepted our invitation and came along to tell everyone about their businesses. We went around in pairs and we went to every table and asked the people questions about their business.

It went on all afternoon. We all learnt something about running a business and we would like to thank everyone for giving up their time and for coming along to talk to us.

Stuart Mathieson, P4

Our Tree Mr Tindall - Ava’s grandad - came in to school and has painted a beautiful tree in our new PE hall. The colours are green for the tree, blue for the sky, red and yellow for the flowers and yellow for the moon. It has our school values on it which are ‘Teamwork, Confidence, Honesty, Respect and Eagerness to Learn’. We are always told to ‘Reach for the Stars’ and that is on it as well. The tree is finished and looks amazing. If you haven’t seen it come in and have a look.

Lewis Hutchin, P4

Forth Valley Cross Country Final Tyler and Tabitha had done so well in the Cross Country at The Queen Victoria School that they got through to the Forth Valley Cross Country Finals which were held at Bannockburn High School. They left Strathyre at 8.45am, Tyler’s dad took them to it. The course was one mile long, it was on a mixture of terrain, some hilly and some flat ground the boys’ race was at 10.20am the girls’ race was at 10.40am.

Both of them completed the course with no difficulty. Tabitha said ‘it was exciting and that she was nervous’. Tyler said ‘it was fun’. They went for their lunch and then they came back to school.

Uisdean Cameron, P5 21

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

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SUPPORT YO U R LOC A L S U PPLI ER S !

PFKCallander Ltd GARAGE

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

MOT’s, Servicing, Repair’s, Diagnostics & ECU Remapping MOT’s: £45.00; MOT & SERVICE FROM: £99.00; ECU REMAP FROM: £200.00.

Open: Mon to Fri 8am to 6pm & Sat 8am to 1pm

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:

Stock up with your supplies of

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

23

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

gill@mercatdesign.com

contact@the-villagers.org.uk

apoulter72@gmail.com

Copy Deadline Day is the 21st of the month. Send your contributions to: c o n t a c t @ t h e - v i l l a g e r s . o r g . u k

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 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) Thursday

Darts League - The White Stag, Strathyre - 7.00pm Choir Occasional - Balquhidder Village Hall - 7.30-9pm (Contact Gill 07778 702304)

Friday

Playgroup - Lochearnhead Hall - 10.00am-12 noon (Contact Dani Bird 07812 600301)

6

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

Registered Charity No. SCO12316

Concert - Rob Halligan - Balquhidder Church - see page 2

9

SWT Talk ‘Gardening with Wildlife’ - Kirk Hall, Callander - see page 15

16

Lochearnhead Village Hall AGM - see page 4

27

Stuc Race Night - Strathyre - see page 3

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Ladies’ Lunch, 1920s theme - Strathyre Village Hall - see page 3

MAY 4

18 24-26

Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St. Fillans Balquhidder Parish Church

APRIL

CHURCH SERVICES

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

Stuc Race - Strathyre - see page 3 Race Night - Lochearnhead see page 4 MHOR FEST - Monachyle Mhor Hotel, Balquhidder - see page 2

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

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