The Villagers October 2019

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

Here be Dragons!

Horticultural Society

Annual Show Report page 14

Dragon by Anna Mchedliani

Editor’s Bit

Old Nyati

This month we say a big thank you and a very fond farewell to one of our most faithful and long serving contributors. I know I will not be the only one who will miss the quirky, interesting, challenging and occasionally controversial stories from Old Nyati’s Pin Feathers page.

So, many thanks for over twelve years of entertaining The Villagers - we have been privileged to have you on board and we wish you all the best. We can always find a space if other stories which just have to be told and shared should pop up!

This leaves a space to fill, of course, so we would welcome any stories of village life, tales of characters past or present or observations on the progress, or otherwise, of life in the countryside.

Congratulations to all concerned with the Horticultural Show and fantastic to see some of the younger generation being so involved.

JJ Ambridge would be jealous!

Marching down to the village

Locals add their support for global demonstration On Friday 20 September, local children (and adults too) took the initiative to show their concerns about Climate Change, by adding their voices to the many thousands who joined the global protest.

The supporters paraded on Strathyre’s main street displaying a colourful array of home made banners and posters, while passing motorists hooted their appreciation.

Well done to all who took part on this day to remember.

Honk if you’re with us!

Home made banners got the message across

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Photo opportunity outside the village shop

Well !

Done

Strathyre News Creative Hub gets off the Ground!

We would like to thank everyone who came along to our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning in Strathyre on the 15th September - and a huge thank you for all of the lovely baking that was donated. We raised over £600 for this incredible cause. We did Barbara proud! She was in our thoughts all day.

MB

Strathyre Primary School Parent Partnership Annual Fundraiser

Annual

Local art on show

Well done to all the exhibitors at the recent Art and Craft Weekend at Strathyre Village Hall, where local creative people displayed their work - and made a few sales!

Thank you to all those who came along to support us.

This was the first of hopefully many such events, to happen annually. We are hoping to attract many more local people who make beautiful things, so if you would like to sign up to be part of Creative Hub, watch this space for details of a public meeting in early 2020, to find ways of supporting and encouraging each other and to promote next year’s event.

Strathyre Village Hall • Friday 4th October 2019 from 7pm Please come along to have fun and to help raise funds for Strathyre Primary School We are constantly fundraising to help the school pay for school trips throughout the year, the P7 induction trip, educational materials and any other projects that the school budget doesn’t cover.

Darren Rice Silvercraft

Linda Anderson Weaving Archie Scott, Ochil Woodcraft

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Lochearnhead Ladies take on the challenge of

SWIM LOCH TAY

Lochearnhead Latest

A Cowch would be BLiSS at Lochearnhead Village Hall Appeal for community pledge support

Loch Earn Tourism Information (LETi) will bid for at least one “Cowch” at a Crieff auction on October 9th in collaboration with Lochearnhead Village Hall, Playgroup, BLS Highland Games and other generous patrons around Loch Earn who have offered financial contributions towards the bid.

If successful, a Cowch will be placed outside the Lochearnhead Village hall to brighten up the building and roadside alongside the flower boxes.

What is a Cowch? A fibreglass bench in the shape of a highland coo. The brainchild of David McCann from Crieff Succeeds; each Cowch has a unique look thanks to local artists and Crieff business sponsors. 11 Cowches were dotted in and around Crieff on a tourist trail between July and September.

They are scheduled to be auctioned off for the Air Ambulance charity, at a dinner in Crieff Hydro on 9th October.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported our community bid so far. If you would like to contribute, you do not need to send any funds now. Simply email Kim Proven briarinfo@btinternet.com with a potential donation towards the total bid. Residents and associations have so far pledged anything from £10 to £200 each. The more we collect the better our chance of success. Funds will only be requested if the bid is successful. If a Cowch is purchased for less than the potential pot then a lesser amount will be requested.

Finance will be handled via LETi’s treasurer and bank account.

I hope that we are successful. Not just for the Air Ambulance charity and a new BLiSS trail tourism story but for the joint ownership and sense of achievement by a community working together for a common goal. NB: Bid contribution amounts must be emailed to Kim before 9th October 2019 or Tel 07917416497.

Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead FK19 8PU www.stayatbriar.co.uk T:01567 830443 M:07917 416497 Tw: @Briarcottages

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This is a new event sponsored by Ciros and Highland Lodges on the bank of Loch Tay. There were several different distances to choose from and six intrepid ladies from Lochearnhead signed up for the challenge of swimming in open water against a steady breeze of 20 knots. With all of us being first timers in distance event swimming, it did seem like a very good idea at the time when we agreed to do it. There was some doubt however on the day when we saw the conditions of wind and water - so cold (12.9c) that they had to cancel the 5k swim on safety grounds. Five of our team were signed up for the 250m distance and one for the 750m.

The 250m ladies entered the water in good spirits first, then it was a long wait for the 750 race which was the last event to start.

There is nothing like having a good support team behind you and mutual encouragement kept spirits up and the thought of the hot food, soup and a free pint awaiting us at the finish! None of us felt like the bacon roll on offer before the start for fear of being ill in the water! The organisation was extremely good with heated tents for changing in, and good parking plus the required number of safety vessels and first aid support. We were all pretty chuffed with ourselves to have braved the water and swum our distances and I am now hooked on open water swimming.

Well done Liz, (thanks for suggesting it! Really!) Ollie, Janey, Selina, Libby and me!

Ali

The

St Fillans Bit

by Bruce Montgomery

Could ‘Still’ (the mirror man) return to St Fillans?

“Still” was previously sited in Loch Earn in front of the Four Seasons Hotel, but was removed following change of the hotel ownership in 2017. Its sudden disappearance caused controversy, both within and outside of St Fillans, and was recorded with disappointment in the national press including The Scotsman and The Times. Villagers are still regularly asked by visitors (who are often following the Bliss Art Trail) where he is located and they are always disappointed to learn that he was removed in 2017.

However, at a recent St Fillans Community Council Meeting, we learned that initial discussion had taken place between a village resident, the artist Mr Rob Mullholland, and the previous owner of the hotel, Mr Andrew Low, who indicated that he might be prepared to sell the sculpture to the village with a view to it being re-sited in the loch, close to its original locational. Mr Mulholland also indicated that he could possibly strengthen the structure, thus enabling it to avoid removal from the loch over winter. The Community Council meeting authorised the villager to continue discussions and report back where the idea might take us. Clearly this is very early days. Issues such as cost, refurbishment and strengthening, location and method of funding, all have to be teased out with a variety of interested parties. Nevertheless, it is to be hoped that “Still” might soon again grace the east end of Loch Earn, set off against its spectacular backdrop - and be welcomed back to its rightful place in the Bliss art installation trail. If and when this story develops, we will try to update readers.

Back in the July edition of The Villagers, when I wrote about the opening of our playpark, I noted that some of the features were still to be finalised. I am happy to be able to provide a very positive update on progress. Firstly, the ‘Sky Cradle’ has been delivered and installed, and can be seen in the photograph below.

The Poo Point has been completed with samples of scat from the following animals: Moortie, Beaver, Red Squirrel, Hedgehog, Urisk, Sheep, Black Grouse, Roe Deer, Rambo (I reckon this one is there to check whether you are paying attention?) and Cow. Now, if you don’t know what a Moortie or a Urisk is, you are not alone! So I asked, and was advised that further information will be provided via a cairn to the Moortie in due course. This story has got legs to it, but will the Moortie?

To support the educational aspect, an insect identification puzzle from old Scots to English has been built (below).

For example, second row on left is “Deil’s Darning Needle”. Lift the label and you will reveal the answer!

As part of the playpark adventure, there are now some Faerie Houses to be searched

The ‘Sky Cradle’

Bug puzzle

The “Still” sculpture. Photo taken circa 2016, provided courtesy of Trip Advisor

Personally, I see the ‘Sky Cradle’ as less of a joy for our youngsters and more of a resting place for dads in warm weather!

Poo Point

for. This one is not too hard to find.

It is in the general area of the ‘Eagles Nest’, so if you have been using the playpark, you will probably have spotted it.

The one pictured below is far harder to find...

You need to follow the Direction Stones which start in the general playpark area.

They are numbered in Roman numerals (something else to learn perhaps?) from I (1) to XVI (16). Here is a pic of the final one.

Continued overleaf

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Continued from previous page

By moving in the direction indicated by the point in each narrow faerie footprint, and provided you creep up slowly and quietly, you will find the doorway to the Hidden Faerie House.

There are yet more attractions still to come. Among these are Balance Logs which are being prepared. Then there is the placing of the Pebble Patch which will comprise the pebbles which villagers painted at our Saturday afternoon events during Festive Weekends both last year and this year. These have been coated with a waterproof agent, are safely stored and will be put in place once everything else is finalised. And now there is the Moortie Cairn - and the revelations that might come with that!

Finally, as the playpark nears total completion, we must again acknowledge the practical and financial assistance received from a series of organisations which have been listed on the temporary welcome board (top right) at the entrance to the Beithir’s Lair Playpark. It will be replaced in due course with something a little more permanent. ......So, what else has been happening in the village? I reported on the Festive Weekend and the Sandy Lyle Charity Day at the Golf Club in the September Villagers, but did not have the financial out-turns available at the time of writing that article. The Golf Club has since issued the following press release: St Fillans Golf Club are delighted with the result of their Sandy Lyle Charity Day held at the club. It was an outstanding success and the club is very pleased to a announce that funds raised by the event totalled almost £5,500, with Sandy’s nominated cause - The Brain Tumour Charity - being the major beneficiary. Some of the proceeds were raised thanks to the generosity of many local businesses who provided items for auction and, of course, almost 100 golfers who attended from all parts of the UK. The Festive Weekend was able to donate £750 to the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance. Out of interest, I checked the current level of costs incurred by SCAA to keep their helicopter service operational.

Their website indicates it is now of the order of £2.5 million pounds per annum, which equates to approximately £7,000 per day, so I am afraid our small sum will not go very far, but of course every donation of whatever size helps. The balance of net income from the Weekend will as usual be applied to funding November’s fireworks, maintaining village assets (mainly the marquees) and support for other Community Trust activities.

Looking ahead, the ladies in the Knit and Natter Group have been busy producing hand knitted poppies for Remembrance Day. They have already completed several hundred, the large majority being traditional red, to remember the sacrifice 6

of our servicemen in all conflicts and trouble spots, since and including WWI. Some white poppies have also been produced as an expression of the universal desire for peace. They will be sewn on to camouflage netting with a white dove affixed to each corner and suspended in Dundurn Parish Church for Remembrance Day Service. The photo (right)gives you an idea of what they look like.

The ladies are of course continuing to knit and, should they manage to produce more than they need for display in Church, they will be sold in the Village Shop with the proceeds going to the Earl Haig Poppy Appeal.

Finally, during October, the Four Seasons Hotel will once more celebrate their Beatles Anniversary Weekend on the 18th and 19th. For anyone not in the know, it was the 19th October 1964 that the Fab Four spent the night in the Hotel, between their shows in Glasgow and Dundee. Susan has sent me the celebratory menu for these dates and

the first thing to note is the title: An biadh Bum-clocks clàr-bìdh biadh – check back to the Insect Quiz Board in the Playpark section above if you don’t immediately see the meaning! The food as you would expect contains blasts from the past like Prawn Cocktail, Duck a l’Orange, Baked Alaska and many other old favourites.

Sounds good so I am sure it will be a great success.

Bruce

KILLIN AND DISTRICT VOLUNTEER CAR SCHEME It has been a busy time for the Car Scheme over the past couple of months. Not only has the number of passengers using the scheme more than doubled since last year, but we have also employed an administrator, Raina Jones, to support us with the development of a secure digital system to help us run the scheme more efficiently, as well as other admin support we need.

The Tombola stall at the Agricultural Show was a great success, even though our Gazebo could not stand up to the windy conditions on the day. We raised £131.10. Thank you to all of those who donated prizes bought tickets and supported us on the day. We will need to raise money continually to keep going, as the only way we can expect people to use us is by keeping passenger costs to a minimum and making up the amount we pay drivers to a realistic sum, to cover the cost of fuel and wear and tear of their vehicles. If anyone has any ideas as to how we can raise further funds, please let us know your thoughts.

Our First AGM (top photo) took place at the end of August. It was pleasing to see so many people attend and to see how much support we have for the car scheme. Thank you to the volunteers who made cakes, sandwiches, quiches and supplied tea and coffee. Julian Blake from Helping Go, an organisation which supports volunteer car schemes to improve the use of digital technology, gave a presentation with a view to supporting Killin Car Scheme develop our digital systems.

The car scheme was put forward for the Inspire Volunteer Awards 2019, which is run

by Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise (SVE) and Stirling council. We were runners up in the Volunteering for Community Impact section sponsored by The Thistle Centre Stirling. Four of us attended the prize giving evening and were very impressed to learn about the vast amount of volunteering that goes on in our area. We are pictured above right!

None of this would have been possible without the enthusiastic and dedicated team of volunteer drivers, escorts and coordinators that have made this scheme so successful.

Sometimes drivers must go long distances or wait for passengers for long periods of time and do this with patience and understanding.

Thank you!

There are a number of ways you can contact the car scheme and please note that we have a new email address: kdvcscheme@gmail.com Tel: 07988 280743 Killinanddistrictvolunteercarscheme.com Facebook: Killin and District Volunteer Car Scheme

Message from Luke Although Parliament is not sitting, Government is still working and I have been using the time to meet with ministers to push our agenda for Ochil & South Perthshire, which has included rural broadband, agricultural funding support and representing local farmers concerns ranging from Brexit to fairness in milk contracts. The good news is that on funding, Government is starting to deliver, with Scotland now due to receive £1.2 billion in additional funding in the next year alone. Now £1.2 billion sounds like a big number, but it’s often difficult to visualise, as money in itself is not enough to deliver for our community, but £1.2bn breaks down to around £23m a week or £4.6m a day. Based on the costs for Crieff Primary, it means that with this extra funding we could build 2 new primary schools a week in Scotland, fund additional teacher and/ or teaching assistant places as well as fund thousands of extra police and nursing places.

MPs must secure the money, now MSPs must decide how it is spent.

I feel that lobbying the Government for funding and encouraging more companies to invest in our constituency is an integral part of an MP’s job, not just because funding is important, but because every investment provides more opportunities for young and old alike. It means that our towns and villages can become more sustainable and our young people will not have to move away to bigger cities to have meaningful careers. It would be easy for rural Scotland to be forgotten when decisions are made, and opportunities to be channelled elsewhere.

We are also entering Budget season, and MPs will be able to make suggestions to the Treasury on where they believe

funding and investment is needed for next Autumn Budget. My aim is to ensure that South Perthshire is front and centre when important decisions on Government funding are made. I will be taking the concerns constituents have raised with me – both during my surgeries and in policyorientated emails – to the Treasury. An MP’s constituency and parliamentary duties are not separate from one another but rather work in tandem. Bringing concerns raised by constituents during surgeries to ministerial meetings is a great example of how concerns articulated at the grassroots level are brought to the highest levels of Government and the decision-making table, and we can try and deliver real results for our constituents. Key examples of this are the need for the Prime Minister to make good on his promise to WASPI women, to ensure the Loan Charge Review is objective, to address the debt owed to Equitable Life victims as well as continue to fund welfare reform and build on the progress in disability support that has seen over 600,000 people with disabilities gain new jobs and opportunities for themselves and their families. These requests will be in addition to my standing campaigns to continue the freeze in whisky duty, as we have many distilleries in our constituency, improve rural broadband, improve recycling and renewable energy and of course build on the £211m of funding we just secured for our farmers to guarantee fair funding for the years ahead.

As always, if you have any issues or concerns please contact me at my office on 2 Comrie Street, Crieff, by telephone (01764 680 384) or by email (luke.grahamoffice@ parliament.uk).

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Doctors

C A L L A N D E R M E D I C A L P R AC T I C E

FLU CLINIC

It’s only a few weeks away from your annual flu jab.

Due to shortages of vaccines, we will not be able to hold our flu clinic until

Friday 8th November

Come along at any time between 8.30am - 5.30pm.

By now, you will probably have noticed big changes to the Medical Centre.

Bracklinn Practice and Leny Practice have merged together and are now called Callander Medical Practice.

This means all your medical records have been moved to a shared database.

From the 1st October, please go to Callander Medical Practice reception desk, on the right hand side when entering the building. The receptionists will not be answering the telephones at the desk, so you will have their full attention. All the telephones will be answered in the admin area located behind reception.

There have been no contractual changes to the existing staff, and you may see more reception staff than usual. This is due to the amount of work done behind the scenes at a GP surgery. Alterations to the premises to accommodate the changes will take place in the future.

You will still be able to see your own GP for routine appointments, but if you need to see a GP urgently, it may be someone new to you. However, due to us not having the full complement of GPs at present, some appointments may not be available.

The disease monitoring will continue with more choices of appointments.

If you wish to make an appointment, please ring 01877 331000.

If you require medication, please ring 01877 331001. This line is only operational between 10am – 3pm Monday to Friday.

Various parts of the medical record will not transfer when the practices merge.

All Bracklinn patients will be locked out of Patient Access. This means you will not be able to order prescriptions or book appointments on line. Please contact the new surgery for instructions on how to re-register with this service.

Callander Medical Centre will be closed for staff training on the following afternoons.

Tuesday 22nd October 2019 Thursday 14th November 2019

If you require urgent medical attention during these times, please contact NHS24 on 111.

CLACHAN COTTAGE HOTEL ONE OF SCOTLAND’S ICONIC SETTINGS ON THE SHORE OF LOCH EARN The Clachan has been here for a long time, tending to travellers and residents alike - and is now the largest hotel in the area, boasting deluxe bedrooms and amazing loch view rooms.

Autumn is here now and the evenings are getting 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 8302477 8

New Multiple Sclerosis Group Launched in Stirling Stephen Kerr, MP for Stirling, was invited to visit the newly established Multiple Sclerosis group in Stirling. The MS Society have established this group to provide support and a social network for those suffering from this debilitating illness and their families who often find themselves isolated.

The group will hold regular meetings and events and provide a much-needed opportunity for people affected by MS from across Stirling and Clackmannanshire to come together.

The Group is being officially relaunched as the previous group lapsed some time ago, but it is clear there is a need for one.

Stephen heard that a particular problem is the amount of time it takes for those diagnosed with the disease to get their disabled drivers’ Blue Badges renewed.

Stephen has previously been contacted by people experiencing very similar problems and who have long term illnesses. Not only is there the problem of the amount of time taken by the Council to get a badge renewed but it raises the question of why those dealing with a long-term prognosis need to re-apply at all. Stephen has raised this with the DVLA. He said: “I was delighted to be present at the official launching of the new group. It is something that is vitally needed in the area and I applaud the commitment of Alistair, Emma and others in getting the show back on the road. I am sure the new group will be extremely successful and will be welcomed. I would also ask that anyone experiencing any problems with their disabled driving badge applications to get in touch with my office.”

Alistair Boyd, the co-ordinator for the new group, said: “As this is a new committee, we are looking to raise as much awareness as possible to help assist MS sufferers in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire area, by hosting monthly events allowing MS sufferers and their families to try something new for the first time and meet other people in a similar circumstances.

All events will be held with the aim of bringing people together in a comfortable environment which is a key aspect of the disease and keeping the mind active. We welcome anyone who would like to attend or help support us.”

The group meet at the Springkerse View Pub & Grill. please contact the MS Society Stirling & Clacks Facebook page, or email stirling@ mssociety.org.uk for details and dates.

Callander Ramblers Club

Lochan Lairig Cheile (Glenoglehead) I have been wanting to put an article in the local paper for some time now concerning the abuse of the area around Lochan Lairig from so called wild campers. I have been keeping an eye on some forestry land in the nearby area for a forest manager for the last two years and ai couldn’t help but notice all the litter, damage to trees, human toilet waste etc. in the area around the small lochan. The problem is that traffic has too easy an access to the area due to a large layby being opened up to allow timber wagons access.

There was an incident on Saturday 4th May at this area which Police Scotland have mentioned in this paper. The culprits were arrested on various charges and were also being reported to the Procurator Fiscal after I had taken Police on the 5th May to show them all the litter and damage they had done to the area.

This same crowd of people in the same vehicle have since been back twice and, on both occasions, I have had to get the Police out to move them on. On all three occasions we had to go in and clear the mess and I doubt the Police will ever be able to take them to court over the littering.

Personally, I feel the Police do not have the power to take them to court as, from what I can tell, a Police officer or Loch Lomond Park Ranger must actually see the person physically drop the litter and how many times will that actually happen? I have taken photos of car registrations of campers and then photographed the area they camped in and passed this on to Police Scotland, but it appears nothing can be done.

I am not sure if the police realise that under The Land Reform Act Scotland 2003 wild camping is only allowed when camping on foot, bike or some other nonmotorised form of transport. This should mean that anyone who pulls off the road in a motorised vehicle to set up a camp is breaking this Act. I have nothing against a backpacker setting up a tent for the night, but it is people who come in vans

Sponsored by Caledonian Country Wear

The Club consists of a group of enthusiasts who meet regularly throughout the year to participate in a programme of strolls, rambles, hill walks and a Long Distance Path. Details are published on incallander. co.uk/ramblers.htm in the Ben Ledi View and on posters around Callander.

New members and guests are always welcome. Here are some dates for your diary:

just to drink and behave in an anti-social manner.

Lochan Lairig Chiele is a Site of Special Scientific Interest given by Scottish Natural Heritage. I have been in contact with SNH about this site and I am in the process of sending photographic evidence of littering, damage to trees, etc left on site and human waste near to a water course. I hope this might lead to stopping easy access to the area by vehicles.

I would like to hear from anyone in the area who may own land around the Lochan to see if they would be interested in helping me do something about the problem and keep the area around the Lochan in the clean way it should be.

Many areas in Scotland are being blighted by these people and it is not just our area that is being affected. Any response o this article can be sent to me at paul583@ gmail.com.

OCTOBER • Wed 2, 09:30 Stroll: Falkirk’s Southern Hills (5 miles) Contact 01786 825682 • Sat 5, 08:30 Hill: The Brack (787m) Contact 01877 382682 • Sat 12, 08:30 LDP: FCP (6) Crail to Elie (11 miles) Contact 01877 330032 • Sat 19, 09:30 Hill/Ramble: Colsnaur & Menstrie Glen (553m, 8 miles) Contact 01786 825877 • Wed 30, 09:30 Stroll: Bo’ness to Blackness (5 miles) Contact 01786 850209 NOVEMBER • Wed 6, 09:30 Stroll: River Teith stroll (4 miles) Contact 01786 841240 • Wed 13, 09:30 Ramble: Gartmorn Wood & Dam (6 miles) Contact 01786 823086 • Wed 20, 09:30 Stroll: All around Doune (4.5 miles) Contact 01786 850209 DECEMBER • Sat 7, 08:30 Hill: Lime Craig (305m) Contact 01877 382803 We meet in Ancaster Square, unless otherwise indicated. Please bring wet weather clothing, appropriate footwear and a packed lunch. And please let the walk leader know if you plan to join the walk via the contact number given!

Visitors and non-members are very welcome.

We have now welcomed 24 new members to our U3A and all our groups have started their new sessions with great enthusiasm. All details are on our website ‘Callander and West Perthshire U3A’ and anyone can join at any time, with the option to visit two groups on a trial basis before paying the annual subscription of £10.

The first get-together for all members was a Sunday Lunch at the gastro-pub ‘The Birds and Bees’ where everyone enjoyed a varied menu and lively discussions. The main event for October will be a buffet lunch at the Roman Camp Hotel followed by the fascinating reminiscences of mountaineer Vicky Jack from Balquhidder who has climbed the highest mountains in seven continents and many lesser ‘hills’ besides.

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Choir Occasional

Community Singing Group for Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre

Come to our concert!

Choir Occasional & Friends Friday 29 November 7.30pm in Balquhidder Church Raising money for the Air Ambulance

We’ve been together for... about seven years now, I think... There have been some changes in the lineup over the years, but the music has remained constant!

So we thought maybe it’s time to go public and share some of our favourite tunes with you. We’ll have guests - local musicians are coming to showcase their talents. Please do come along and share a glass of mulled wine, some carols - and get in a festive mood in Balquhidder’s lovely church - all decorated for Christmas.

Donations will go to the Air Ambulance - such a worthy cause.

Hope to see you on the night - starts at 7.30pm!

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More ramblings about

DundurnParish Operation Pied Piper - 1939

With war clouds gathering and the threat of the mass destruction of our cities from the air, parents were so terrified of the imminent war that they agreed to pack their children off to the countryside to live with strangers. In the space of three days, thousands of kids from Glasgow were herded on to trains and taken miles away from home, away from the bombers and their families. It is unimaginable to today’s parents, ‘who can’t let their children out of their sight’ that nearly 170.000 Scottish schoolchildren were evacuated from their homes in towns and cities considered to be likely German targets.

A meeting was held in the Sandison Hall on Friday 19th July 1939 to hear from Mrs Mitchell, St. Serfs, an outline of the arrangements to be made for the reception of children to be evacuated from Glasgow in the event of a national emergency. It was anticipated that about three hundred children would be allotted to Dundurn Parish. By the time Neville Chamberlain officially declared war on Nazi Germany on 3rd September many children, who had barely been further than the end of their street, were starting new lives in the countryside.

On the 2nd of September a train arrived at St. Fillans, loaded with approximately 100 evacuee children, some accompanied by their mothers. The village schoolmistress Miss McKinnon was given the responsibility of placing them in homes. In her logbook she was somewhat scathing about those who refused to assist. Given the numbers involved, schooling was reduced to half day sessions - younger kids attended in the morning and older ones in the afternoon.

Leap for Life from Blazing Cottage

Evacuee Families Ordeal: Crying baby gives alarm.

Fire at Neish Cottage - 23rd September 1939

smoke. She informed her neighbour, and on investigating they found the staircase a mass of flames, effectively cutting of their means of retreat. The window of the room was 15 feet from the ground, and Mrs Paterson, grasping her infant in her arms, jumped to safety. She then assisted Mrs Nicholson, who handed down the younger members of the group. There were four children in the Nicholson family, and two Reidford girls, nieces of Mrs Nicholson.

Dorothy Reidford became terrified and hysterical, and refused to make the attempt. Eventually Mrs Nicholson seized the girl, forced her through the window and dropped her to safety.

Within a few minutes of their escape the roof collapsed, and by the time Perth

Fire Brigade, under Captain W J Paterson arrived on the scene the house was blazing furiously. Though the firemen had made the 28-mile journey in just less than 45 minutes in black out conditions, there was little they could do but keep the fire from spreading. At the end of four hours the blaze was completely under control, but by then the cottage was completely gutted. The cottage adjoins Neish House, where Queen Wilhelmina and Princess Juliana of Holland spent a holiday in 1935.

By January 1940 the school roll was reduced to 24 as many of the evacuees had returned home being homesick and unable to bear the silence of village life.

Those mothers and children who chose to stay integrated well into village life.

The Old Crock

The cries of a baby gave the alarm of a disastrous fire which broke out in Neish Cottage, St Fillans, in the early hours of Thursday morning. Two Glasgow evacuee families had to leap for their lives when they were trapped in the upper storey.

One of the evacuees, Dorothy Reidford (9), 74 Earlston Avenue, Glasgow, was badly burned about the face, and sustained cuts to her hand and face. She was detained in Perth Royal Infirmary.

Mrs Paterson and Mrs Nicholson of Earlston Avenue had retired for the night with their families when fire broke out in the kitchen and spread to the staircase.

Mrs Paterson was wakened by the crying of her baby daughter and found signs of 11

Never not ready Your local Mountain Rescue Team

When someone is in difficulty in our local hills, team members from the local community are ready to respond at a moment’s notice. The Killin Mountain Rescue Team (who are affiliated to Scottish Mountain Rescue) and established in 1967, cover a considerably large area within the Trossachs National Park which stretches as far South as Loch Katrine, extending right up to Tyndrum and is made up from a number of unpaid volunteers, predominantly residing in Callander, Lochearnhead and Killin areas.

At each of these locations is a Mountain Rescue Post which holds equipment and vehicles. This allows the team to respond quickly to anywhere within its area. The team enjoy a close working relationship with neighbouring mountain rescue teams from the Ochills and Lomond.

Although a volunteer organisation and run purely from donations, the commitment given by individuals is considerable. We are a structured organisation, with a number of capabilities and follow a comprehensive training programme. As you can see from the image below the team have many subject areas to include within their yearly training schedule. Many of our team members are mountaineers and wildlife and estate managers, Keepers and Shepherds who have extensive knowledge of the local hills which ensures that response times are kept to a minimum through good familiarisation and fitness.

The area covered by the team is very diverse as are the types of callouts the team attend. Many incidents will require our team members to use a number of combined skills, some of which require the use of very technical equipment and techniques. In the image below, the team can be seen training with complex rope rescue systems to rescue casualties on dangerous and difficult ground such as in waterfall areas and deep gullies.

One exciting new development within our capability, through generous donations, is the acquisition of a drone which will aid predominantly in the search for missing persons. It will also be used for scene assessment, hazard identification and incident monitoring.

We have a fully qualified drone pilot who will operate for the team as well as being part of the Search and Rescue Aerial Association – Scotland, who are also affiliated to Scottish Mountain Rescue.

The team promote safety in the mountains within the local community at local events and are always happy to inform and educate members of the public on what they can do to remain safe when on the hills.

12

Struan Burch

24/7/365

Our message is always the same. If you go up into the hills - have the right skills, the right equipment and check the weather before you go. The team often attend incidents where the above has not been taken into consideration, for example, wearing dark coloured clothing which makes search extremely difficult and relying on a mobile phone for navigation without having a map and compass and knowing how to use it.

Our team members have already been training and are ready and packed for winter. Are you?

https://www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills If you are in difficulty and require mountain rescue, dial 999 or 112 and ask for POLICE, MOUNTAIN RESCUE. You can also text an emergency message to 999 or 112. Ideally you should register your phone prior to using this service using the link below: https://www.ngts.org.uk/how-to-use-ngt/contact-999-using-ngt.html A very useful app (free) to have on your mobile phone is OS Locate. Used alongside your Ordnance Survey map, OS Locate is a fast and highly accurate means of pinpointing your exact location on the map, anywhere in Great Britain with the ability to share your location with others. https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop/os-locate Killin Callander and District Search and Rescue Group SC44098 is an incorporated Scottish Charity and operates as Killin Mountain Rescue Team. To donate follow the link: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-webcharityfinalCharityHomepageaction? uniqueVmgCharityUrl=Killin,CallanderandDistrictSearchandRescueGroup

Balquhidder Church News MUSINGS FROM THE MANSE FOOD ISSUES: A QUESTION OF GRATITUDE!

St Angus Church Pew Ponderings from St A’s At last our interregnum is over and our new Rector Gennie has arrived so, first of all, a big welcome to you Gennie and lang may yer lum reek! (She may need a translation for that as she has moved from the Wolverhampton area). She has a tough job with four churches spread over almost thirty miles.

I have recently been reading a book review in the Sunday Times – ‘Dominion’ by Tom Holland. According to the reviewer it is a history with a single compelling idea that western culture has been so profoundly shaped by Christianity that we are all ethically Christians whether we like it or not. Tom Holland argues that virtually all modern values, including even the most secular, can be traced back to Christian ideals. Equality and fairness have their roots in the idea that all are equal before God. The counter argument of course is that human nature has simply learnt that the best way to survive is by looking out for each other and that kindness makes friends which is a better bet than making enemies.

There are certainly many philanthropic altruists who would never claim to be Christian.

I think I must read the book….

The thought I am left with is that in this apparently “post Christian” era we seem to have lost a lot of mutual respect – just look at how our politicians speak to each other, how rude some of the media interviewers can be, how cruel some of our so-called comedians are.

Is secularism, where moral boundaries have become very blurred, what we really want? I know, some of you are shouting that Christianity/religion causes nothing but trouble but I would say – as I’ve said before – it’s not “religion” that causes the problems it’s our perversion and misuse of it that can be so damaging.

Harvest Thanksgiving Balquhidder Church 27 October 11.30am

A Gastronomic Extravaganza “Food glorious food!” Where would we be without it? The obvious answer is, very dead, I suppose! But food is more than just an essential for survival: it is, for humans at least, or should I say some humans, a passion, even an obsession.

Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver once remarked on a TV series set in Italy, “Food is my religion!” – he was cooking for a group of Roman Catholic Monks at the time. It would appear that he spoke for many in the developed world where it is impossible to escape the allure and influence of this most contemporary fetish.

Consider television. At any time, morning, noon, or night, it is possible to find at least one programme (often several) concerning food/cooking issues on the many and various channels now available to viewers. Here we have the mediafriendly superstars of Chefdom “strutting their stuff” in a variety of ways and in a multitude of settings. We have interactive shows, competitions, challenges, catering dramas, quizzes, and travel documentaries all based around food. From local environments to exotic destinations the harvest of the world is brought into our living rooms and we are entertained and educated in all things culinary.

Consider bookshops. Next time you are browsing in one of the major outlets, try counting the number of cookbooks on sale. Bet you give up! In hardback and paperback, pocket size and table size, lavishly illustrated and intriguingly titled, we are presented with a virtual library of information; an encyclopedic array of facts, tips, procedures and recipes regarding the art and science of cooking. We have set before us the manifold ingredients and culinary styles from the nations and cultures of the world for the benefit of both amateur and professional alike.

It makes many a mouth water in anticipation!

Consider Restaurants. Thumb through Yellow Pages or take a casual stroll through the heart of any town or city in the western world and you will notice the plethora of eating establishments of varied ethnic origin offering the hungry consumer a wonderfully satisfying experience in the sights, smells, tastes and textures of international cuisine. Truly, we are blessed for choice! There was a time, not so long ago, where people had to travel far and wide to partake of the delights that are now on our very doorstep. Modern migration has produced a fascinating multi-culturalism which has enriched us all in so many ways, not least in the area of diet.

Consider Supermarkets. Aren’t they amazing places? Every kind of food presented every kind of way: ready to eat, ready to heat, ready to cook; fresh, frozen, dried, tinned, and packeted; with every kind of seasoning, flavouring, spice, herb and sauce one can imagine. Once again the harvest of the world is displayed before our eyes both in and out of season! And then there’s the glossy magazines (every store has their own version) all which enticingly display the best offers and bargains of the day along with new ingredients to try. Just in case we haven’t been to the bookshops recently there are also some simple recipes for our consideration presented by the supermarket’s own chefs using items easily bought from the very same store. You can’t say they don’t try to make life easy for us!

To sum up thus far, we live in a culture where we are constantly bombarded with images and information regarding food/diet and continually reminded of the pleasures and delights associated with this most basic, yet indulgent, of human activities. Hence, of course, the exotic and sensuous advertising we often see. Sometimes, it seems, we don’t eat to live; rather, we live to eat!

How do we, how should we, respond to the above? When I was young, I was told by my parents that there were three important words in life – “please”, “thank you” and “sorry.” Wise advice! Regarding food matters, have we lost the art of gratitude? The days of communities across our nation being relieved when another harvest was safely gathered in ensuring survival during a difficult winter are long gone. But we today are blessed in so many ways and still have so much to be grateful for. This month will see our annual harvest thanksgiving service in Balquhidder Church (27th October 11.30am).

Why not join us for a time of reflective celebration. Rituals such as these provide us with the means to connect with what is important.

Russel

13

Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Annual Show 31st AUGUST 2019

There was a very good turn out for this year’s Show, despite some rather wet and windy weather! And although we were slightly down on exhibits after a pretty poor growing season, we were conscious that there were actually more contributors, so all in all, a very encouraging result.

Thank you to everyone who took part, adults and children alike: competitors and judges, helpers, and all those who came in to shelter from the rain and indulge themselves with a cream tea.

Sadly, the fruit and veg sections were a little thin on the ground, but there were some beautiful floral arrangements, and we had some very impressive entries in the crafts section! This year’s theme was ‘Castles and Dragons’, and there were several highly creative constructions on display as you’ll see from our photographs.

Hope to see you next year. Schedules will be ready for distribution early March.

Here is the list of 2019 cup winners: Noretta’s amazing

Best Exhibit - a 1 Secretary’s Cup for Pot Plants - Linda Anderson very detailed castle arrangement 2 Matajyasek Cup for Cut Flowers Noretta Glass

Bloomin’ wonderful begonia!

3 Bowers Cup for Fruit & Veg - Karen Kett 4 Club Cup for Floral Art - Noretta Glass 5 MacDonald Cup for Kindred Activities - Liz Gilchrist 6 Stuart Love Cup for Handicrafts - Jean Searle 7 Gibson Cup for Arts - equal first, Jean Searle and Gill Waugh 8 Grow MHOR Cup for 9-16s - Iona Mchedliani (with Poppy Mackenzie a close second!)

Eri lines up the Raffle prizes

9 Grow A Little MHOR Cup for 8 & Unders - Tristan Kett 10 Juniors Cup for Judges’ Choice Best Child’s Exhibit - Isobel Patterson 11 Bobby Bennet Cup for Best Photo - Jill Johnston 12 Strathyre Cleansing Cup for Best Five Vegetables - Jimmy McSkimming 13 SlugIt’s Shield for Judges’ Choice Best Exhibit - Noretta Glass 14 Challenge Shield for Best Exhibitor In Show - Karen Kett

Jimmy’s famous Clootie Dumpling does it again

Esti’s Dragon Cakes 14

Aubergine Penguin!

Clockwise from top left: Magnus’s egg-box castle; Cream teas; Castle and Dragon paintings, Isobel’s Recycled Dragon; another fantastic castle painting; checking to see who’s won; the largest egg-box Castle; Dundee Cakes; a much smaller egg-box castle. Our Villagers front cover this month shows Iona Mchedliani’s winning painting of a Dragon.

15

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, we are sad to say, is Old Nyati’s ‘Swan Song’ story. “A quotation springs to mind,” he says. “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass; it is about learning to dance in the rain.”

It was a glorious morning, about this time of year and everyone was getting ready for a day on the hill. I was a guest at Lochan Lodge (in the photo), in Amulree with a family of top drawer well-to-do Germans, the owners and chairman of the C&A retail chainstores. They were all very proper - the gentlemen, when being introduced, clicked their heels with bowed heads. When out on the Hill it was always “Weidmanns Hail” and “Weidmanns Danke” with the Wild Ablegen, the last bite, in true traditional way. The ladies were immaculately dressed in Loden cloaks and Tyrolean hats. Unfortunately, they could only speak a few words of English.

As I knew this area of hill ground well, it was my privilege this day to take some of the family to try for a stag; they had come to stay in Scotland to experience the unique tradition of highland stalking, including a piper at the dinner table in his dress kilt, with a dram all round... and things like that which are highly regarded the world over.

I was to take my group in a long wheelbase Land Rover. We left the lodge and had to cross the Almond River (second photo), where the passengers elected to use the footbridge.

It is of course the time of year when the sheep farmers put the tups in with the ewes, and the tups are fitted with a raddle harness which puts a coloured mark on the rump of each ewe that they have served. Each week the raddle colour is changed so that the farmer has an indication of when each ewe is due to lamb.

Now as we proceeded across the farmland to get access to the hill amongst the grazing sheep, one of the ladies in the back of the land rover called out to me, “Edvard! Edvard! Vot are za pretty colours on za sheep?” Now to explain the reason to a very sophisticated lady required some careful thought. But before I could try to explain the other lady called out, “Ah, it is the time of year for the ****!!!

Well, to my surprise and hidden amusement she used a funny Russian sounding word that ended in “ing”...

Now that explained it far better than I could ever have done!

Old Nyati For those of you readers who have always wondered what, or who, is ‘Old Nyati’... well, this is he! An Afrikan buffalo.

16

B O O K R EV I EW

TV Blacksmith Plants Psychedelic Weeds on A84 BLiSS Trail Look out for Weige Weeds on the A84 - a 12ft bunch of colourful metal flowers crafted by TV personality Kev Paxton of ArtFe Blacksmiths - created in collaboration with Glasgow grafitti artist EJEK, for Loch Earn Tourism Information’s (LETi) award winning BLiSS art trail, linking Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans in central Scotland.

The latest art installation to cheer up locals and visitors on the Scottish Thistle Award winning BLISS trail, stands proudly on the A84, outside The Golden Larches restaurant, Balquhidder Station.

The idea for Weige Weeds was inspired by a set of Glasgow traffic lights with flower petal surrounds, that appealed to Kev Paxton’s sense of fun. His sculpture ignores society’s negative attitude towards weeds, by characterising their colour, beauty and place in nature.

Kev Paxton invited Glasgow street artist EJEK (Danny McDermott) to add eye catching grafitti styling to the Weige Weed heads. EJEK has a global following for his art techniques including thermal imaging. In common with Kev Paxton, an opportunity to pursue and share creative talent changed the course of his life. EJEK is known as the artist who created the Stan Lee Mural in Glasgow and he is one of the Main Street artists of the Glasgow Mural Trail. Professional street artist EJEK, who was given free reign to give Weige Weeds a make over, included a cow hide pattern in reference to ArtFe’s popular metal “coos”.

BLiSS trail started as an innovative tourism project in 2016 when LETi first collaborated with Kev Paxton. They share a love of Scotland’s natural surroundings, humour and a common aim to capture people’s attention and make them smile as they go about their day. LETi is proud to have four permanent Kev Paxton installations on the BLiSS trail available to view against seasonal landscapes all year round.

Since 2016, LETi has won three trophies that applaud BLiSS trail including the coveted Scottish Thistle Award for Innovation in Tourism. The business group worked with GeoTourist smartphone app technology to enable a story telling route finder for their art and architectural installation trail. Kev Paxton has gone on to attract a global customer and fan base, picking up trade stand awards including 5 stars at Chelsea Flower Show 2019 and he has made numerous appearances on television programmes including, BBC Money for Nothing, BBC Flipping Profit, CBeebies Junk Rescue and Scrap Kings on Quest TV. LETI Chair Kim Proven said, “Kev Paxton and ArtFe Blacksmiths have invested considerable time, skill and belief in LETi

Something in the Water Catherine Steadman

tourism project commissions sine BLiSS Trail launched. We love working with the team as there is always fun and laughter.

We’ve watched Kev and ArtFe’s reputation grow considerably so it was fitting to hear people say “ It is that bloke off the telly” as the ArtFe team erected Weige Weeds in the Golden Larches restaurant car park”.

There are 25 installations to discover on BLiSS trail, now including Kev Paxton sculptures; “Weige Weeds” at Balquhidder Station, highland cow “Drover’s Bho” in Strathyre, west highland terrier “Ewen Westies of Craggan” and “Blawn Wi The Wind” thistles sculpture in Lochearnhead. The trail can be split into manageable routes by bicycle, car and on foot using the downloadable GeoTourist smartphone routefinder app that triggers stories in front of each installation (https:// geotourist.com/tours/2040).

The BLiSS trail map www.robroycountry. com/blisstrail also highlights cafe and restaurant stops along the way.

The next time you are on the A84, pull into The Golden Larches restaurant, treat yourself to home baking and a cuppa, pay homage to a bright and beautiful installation collaboration by a popular Scottish outdoor sculptor and a street artist and be prepared to smile.

Right from the very first chapter we know something has gone terribly wrong for the main characters in this superb psychological thriller. They are a young successful attractive couple with everything going for them, living their lives under the radar, good law-abiding people. She has an interesting job making documentary films, he is an investment banker, so money is not a problem at least not at the beginning. A modern couple they discuss all the big decisions together. They go on honeymoon to the exclusive tropical paradise of Bora Bora. Here it all starts to go wrong. They make a sinister discovery while scuba diving in the beautiful clear blue sea. For reasons which become apparent they choose a dangerous path which triggers a series of actions which bounces their lives between being sorted and not sorted.

The plot spins tightly around the couples’ attempts to solve the problems which are of their own making. Cracks begin to appear in their relationship. We sense that the mutual trust in which they put such store may be crumbling. This book brings into play the decisions we make, the moral standard we try to live by and the temptations which could divert us from that path. When it all starts to go wrong Mark, the husband accuses his wife, Erin of being wilfully stupid. She does seem quite flaky at times and certainly learns to tell lies perfectly. She seems devious, secretive and untrustworthy but then what is he up to? What happened to their united front?

The plot is brilliantly tense, and the reader may struggle to figure out what is going on. You need to read to the very end to find out... or does the beginning make it clear?

I don’t think so!

17

McLaren High School In 2017 Harris Clark committed, with other students from McLaren High School, to a World Challenge trip – part volunteering in a local community, part charactertesting adventure and part holiday. Each student raised several thousand pounds to finance their place.

On 28 June 2019, a team of about 20 students set out from Callander on a 17day expedition to Belize. Situated in Central America but part of the Caribbean, Belize is a melting pot of cultures with some of the best protected habitats and ecosystems in the region. After a gruelling two days’ travelling including three flights, we arrived in Belize City. Sadly, my luggage did not accompany me and went to Dallas instead! Luckily, it arrived later in the day, otherwise we would have had no tent for our first night’s camp.

From Belize City we travelled to the town of San Ignacio, close to the Guatemalan border.

This vibrant town had a distinctly Hispanic influence in the food and local market. From San Ignacio, we visited the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, which towered above the barley fields on the West Bank of the Mopan River. Everything in the ancient city, including the huge temple pyramid, dates from between 600 and 950AD. It was fascinating to see how the Mayans lived.

Moving on, we took the public bus to Yaxche Jungle Camp where we had the opportunity to go cave tubing in St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park – we floated down the course of an underground cave system used by the ancient Mayans. After that we visited the Blue Hole, a spectacular jungle pool where a refreshing swim was most welcome. Next morning, we woke to find a tarantula next to the tent and sampled a traditional Belizean breakfast of fry jacks.

Our next leg was to Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary, the first jaguar reserve in the world. We spent four nights in this reserve doing various treks, some strenuous. My favourite was a steep 8km trek to a vantage point with stunning views over the whole jungle reserve. Just below the peak of the hill we found a small waterfall, which was great to cool off. We saw varied wildlife including

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snakes, scorpions, spiders, birds and even a water possum out on a night walk.

The penultimate phase of the journey was our volunteering project – providing labour on a sustainable permaculture farm called Maya Mountain Research Farm. This was extremely remote and only accessible by an hour’s walk through the jungle followed by a precarious river crossing. The farm provides a habitat for wildlife and food for the local community. We spent five days here planting mangos, pineapples, bananas and peppers, and learning all about sustainability. We made coconut oil, a sustainable alternative to vegetable and olive oil which can even be used as a biofuel. We also made cocoa from chocolate beans using a traditional method.

The food we ate at Maya Mountain was almost exclusively vegetarian and all produced on the farm. There were delicious breakfasts of pancakes, raw honey and freshly harvested fruit; evening meals of rice, beans, chaya (tree spinach) and papaya salad with hot sauce. Our experiences really made us think about our diets at home and how consumerism and intensive farming make us less healthy and damage the environment.

We learned important lessons, enjoyed hands-on experiences, developed new skills and, most importantly, contributed to the sustainability and natural habitat of the area.

Our final three days in Belize were spent at the Caribbean paradise of Palencia, a peninsula in the south of Belize. We had an amazing time exploring the area, soaking up the sun, chilling by the pool, lazing on the beach and trying the local speciality – lobster. The highlight of our R&R phase was a snorkelling trip to the tiny and uninhabited Laughing Bird Caye, which was so beautiful it could have been a scene in a novel. Just metres off the Caye is a coral reef and protected Marine National Park, listed as a world heritage site in 1996. After an hourlong boat trip, we snorkelled straight off the Caye seeing a wonderful array of marine life.

After our 15 days in Belize, it was time to head Kindling home. Itohad an amazing time with From Cashmere. fantastic experiences and10am I amtoinspired to Open Thursday - Monday, 5pm. travel 7more see the world. I am also Open days inand summer. thinking much more about sustainability and Kingshouse, FK19 8NYas a result. have decidedBalquhidder, to try vegetarianism

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19

Apologies for not managing to get an article into last month’s edition, but I was enjoying some well earned rest in sunnier climes and forgot to submit my article before I left!

In my absence, there have only been a few incidents of note in the local area, as follows: - • On the 4th August, a mobile phone was stolen from a tent on Loch Earn by persons unknown.

• On the 30th August, a collision occurred on the A85 just outside Lochearnhead at the foot of Glen Ogle. The male driver of the car refused to provide a sample of breath at the roadside so was arrested and taken into Police custody. Whilst conducting the relevant procedures, the male refused to comply so was held in custody to appear at Stirling Sheriff Court. The male was clearly under the influence of alcohol, and in the court’s eyes, refusing to provide is just as serious an offence. He will likely face a mandatory driving ban and his car (or what’s left of it) may be seized by the courts and destroyed.

Elsewhere within the local area, there have been other noteworthy incidents.

These include: • A male found to be driving whilst disqualified and with no insurance on the A82 at Tyndrum on the 25th July.

• On the 27th July, a fatal RTC occurred on the A85 near to Crianlarich. The male passenger of one of the vehicles sadly died at the scene, and the female driver of the car suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital. The family in the other vehicle were uninjured. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the male who died.

• On the 20th September, a fatal RTC occurred on the A85 near to Crianlarich. The male rider of a motorcycle died at the scene after his motorcycle collided with a car. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the male who died.

Many of you may already have seen in the media but given the number of serious and fatal RTCs over the past few years, Transport Scotland have announced the introduction of average speed cameras onto the A82 and A85 between Lix Toll and Tyndrum. In total there are five cameras planned, and it is hoped that this measure will assist in reducing the number of collisions that occur. It is understood however, that speed is not the only issue that causes collisions, so patrols of the road’s networks will continue.

In addition to enjoying three weeks of annual leave, I have been present at a number of events. On the 7th August, with assistance from my Crianlarich colleague, we covered the Killin Highland Games. On Saturday 10th August, I took part in the Police open day at Stirling Police Station. I was there to highlight the work of Mountain Rescue in Forth Valley and was kindly assisted by all three of our teams, including the local Killin team.

20

Security Advice

Given that the darker nights usually herald an increase in thefts, I ought to provide suitable advice.

Consider how your property looks to a would-be thief. If you had the choice of a house that was well lit and looked “lived in” or one completely in darkness and clearly unoccupied, which would you chose?

We are approaching winter, and the hours of darkness are increasing, so consider the lighting of your property, inside and out.

Inside, leave lights on or leave a lamp on an electronic timer. Another good tip is to leave a radio or TV on when popping out and consider closing blinds and curtains also to make the house look like someone is in. Outside, put up lighting all around the house, and consider the use of security lights with PIR sensors attached. Bushes and shrubs can also be cut back to aid visibility and reduce potential hiding places for thieves.

Consider taking a note of serial numbers of any expensive items of property in your house, and photographs are also a good idea. Another good solution on the market is Smartwater. Have a look at their website, www.smartwater.com .

Ensure all sheds and outhouses are always locked, even if working in the garden. If you leave doors open on sheds and garages, it lets everyone see what is inside and gives them the opportunity to plan a return visit!

If you are going away for a few days, always consider leaving a key with a neighbour or friend/family member who will visit regularly, daily if possible. Do not allow mail to stack up behind doors. If it is possible, leave a car outside the house and whoever is checking the property can move the car if possible. If you are going on holiday, let me know by either popping into my office, or drop me an email. It means that where possible, we will try to keep a look out for your property when we pass.

Have good quality locks fitted to doors and windows and consider the use of an alarm. Some alarms will contact the police and we will attend along with a keyholder to ensure all is in order. This is not always the case so if you hear a house alarm sounding, think about phoning the police. Make sure you always lock your vehicles and remove the keys from the ignition. Do not leave vehicles unattended to defrost outside your house as they are liable to be stolen and your insurance will be void! Take any items of value out of the car, or if you have no choice, cover it with something to make it less obvious.

The most important piece of advice is be vigilant and keep an eye out for your neighbours and the local community. Call the police immediately on 101, or 999 in an emergency, if you are at all concerned about the behaviour of a person or vehicle.

Here’s a nice easy recipe for treacle scones seeing as Halloween is just around the corner! - Jan D

Treacle Scones (Makes 8)

8 oz flour (2 cups) 1 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 level teaspoon cream of tartar 1 level teaspoon ground ginger 1 level teaspoon mixed spice 2 oz margarine (1/4 cup) 1 level tablespoon black treacle milk Sieve the dry ingredients into a bowl.

Heat the margarine and treacle until melted and stir the liquid into the flour with enough milk to make a soft dough. Turn it onto a floured surface and knead it lightly. Divide the dough in half and roll each piece into a circle about half an inch deep.

Cut them into four farls (triangles) then either bake them at Gas 6/400ºF/2000ºC for about 12-15 minutes or cook on a griddle for about 15 minutes each side.

Serve slightly warm with butter.

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

Regards, PC Will Diamond

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Other Contacts...

Lochearnhead Contact:

Ali Ferguson 01567 830 405 St Fillans Contact: Bruce Montgomery blmscotland@yahoo.co.uk Strathyre Contact:

Wullie Dalziel 01877 384 384 Mobile 07768 221661 Mail Order Distribution:

Andrea Poulter 01877 384784

DIARY DATES We e k l y A c t i v i t i e s

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Pilates - Balquhidder Hall - 9.15 to 10.15am. (Contact Abbey 07766 407578 for details. Booking in advance please.)

Keep Fit - Lochearnhead Hall - 10.30 to11.30am Gaelic Playgroup - Balquhidder Hall - 10.30am to 12.30pm St Fillans Music Circle - Sandison Hall - 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Light lunch included.

Contact John Light (01764 685307) / Malcolm Gregory (01764 670493).

Country Dancing - St Fillans Yoga - Balquhidder Hall - 11.00am to 12noon (contact Ann Cobbett 01877 376291) Darts League - The White Stag, Strathyre - 7.00pm Choir Occasional - Balquhidder Village Hall - 7.30-9pm (contact Gill Waugh 07778 702304) Playgroup - Lochearnhead Hall - 10.00am-12 noon (Contact Dani Bird 07812 600301)

OC TOBER

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Rock’n’Roll Bingo - Strathyre Primary School - 7pm - see page 3

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Callander Medical Practice Open Day - see page 8

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Quiz Night - Lochearnhead Village Hall - see page 4

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Harvest Thanksgiving Service - Balquhidder Church - 11.30am

NOVEMBER 29

Choir Occasional & Friends - Concert at Balquhidder Church - see page 10

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

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

Balquhidder Parish Church Registered Charity No. SCO12316

Sundays 11.30am Minister: Rev Dr Russel Moffat The Manse, Main Street, Killin FK21 8TN revmoffat@gmail.com Dundurn Church, St Fillans

Sundays 11.30am Interim Moderator: Rev’d John Murdoch Tel: 01738 628378

ROMAN CATHOLIC Callander, St Joseph the Worker Sundays 11.30am Saturday Vigil Mass 5.30pm from May through to September Killin, in the Episcopal Church Sundays 2.30pm

SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH St Angus’s Church, Lochearnhead 1st Sunday each month: 11.30am Communion 2nd Sunday 5.30pm Evensong 3rd Sunday 11.30am Communion 4th Sunday 5.30pm Evensong 5th Sunday (if applicable) 5.30pm FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A reflective time to discuss contemporary issues in a spiritual context (Check with Rector for venue: 01764 655389)

Vestry Secretary - Maureen Lipscomb Tel: 01567 830234

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

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

Tel 07768333792 charliehgrant@gmail.com

Or receive as a .pdf file by email £11

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

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

Do you need an affordable home ?

Rural Stirling Housing Association aims to support local communities by providing quality homes at affordable rents for families, couples and single people in housing need.

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

Aberfoyle • Doune • Killin • Strathyre Balfron • Drymen • Kinlochard Stronachlachar • Buchlyvie • Gargunnock Kippen • Tyndrum • Callander • Gartmore Lochearnhead • Deanston • Killearn Strathblane We may be able to build in other communities in the future – please let us know if you want to live in a village that is not listed above. Information on local housing need and demand helps us plan for the future.

If you are interested in renting one of our properties when they become available please contact us: Rural Stirling Housing Association Stirling Road, Doune FK16 6AA

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

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

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mer m u S e y odb

© Highland Photography