The Villagers news February 2019 for St Fillans, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre

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Loch Voil, January 2019 by Andrew Poulter

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

Editor’s Bit Happy 2019 to all in the 4 villages and a big thank you to all who wrote in about all the celebrations we enjoyed.

A special late Happy 80th Birthday to Pin Feathers’ Old Nyati, one of our most consistent, amusing, interesting and occasionally controversial contributors!

We hope more of you will come along to our AGM and join the team endeavouring to keep The Villagers going for another year, we do need new ideas and enthusiasms please!

Could I ask all who are involved with any of the clubs we feature on the Diary page to send contact details, times etc and a very short article for us to include in the March edition?

Thanks.

JJ

Our photo shows the ‘Man in Red’ doing his annual Christmas visit to Balquhidder village hall. Everyone got a present! See you next Christmas, Santa!

Community Council Follow-Up Elections February/March 2019 Readers should be aware that back in October when Community Council (CC) elections were held there were only 4 nominations from the Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre (BLS) villages. The minimum number of nominations for BLS to form a CC is 6 so since then our villages have not had a CC to represent them.

On Monday 28 January Stirling Council published the notice calling the follow-up elections. The timescale for new nominations is short as the closing date is Friday 8 February.

A Community Council is a voluntary organisation set up by statute and run by local residents to act on behalf of its area. As the most local tier of elected representation, Community Councils play an important role in local democracy. More information on Community Councils can be found at www.communitycouncils. scot As well as representing the community’s issues to the local authority and other public authorities (e.g. Police Scotland), Community Councils facilitate a wide range of activities which promote the well-being of their communities.

They bring local people together to help make things happen, and many Community Councils protect and promote the identity of their community. They advise, petition, 2

influence and advocate numerous causes and cases of concern on behalf of local communities.

The following information outlines the process of electing the new membership of the council.

A “notice of election” was published on Monday 28 January and nominations for membership of community councils may then be submitted until 4 p.m. on Friday 8 February.

The newly amended “Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils” provides that Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Community Council shall have a minimum of SIX and maximum of NINE members.

Where the number of nominated candidates does not exceed the maximum number of places required, no election will be required and successful candidates will be notified on, or shortly after, Wednesday 13 February.

In areas where the number of nominations exceeds the number of places, a “notice of poll” will be published on Wednesday 13 February.

Ballot papers will be issued on Monday 4 March to be returned by 5 p.m. on Friday 22 March.

Anyone over 16 can take part.

Nomination papers are available from communityengagement@stirling.gov.uk or 01786 233076

The Villagers

AGM

This year our annual meeting will take place on

Tuesday 12th of February at The White Stag Inn in Strathyre

starting at 7.30pm There are several matters to discuss and we would really appreciate it if people from all four villages attended to give us their views.

COULD YOU assist with

The Villagers in any way?

• production ....

• distribution ... or • funding ...?

It’s your community paper -

please come if you can!

Strathyre Mast Dispute

Strathyre News A very belated happy New Year to all our readers and looking forward to 2019.

Strathyre was absolutely buzzing over Christmas and New Year, starting with the wonderful carol concert in the Village hall, fronted as always with the music of Callander Brass, always a joy to listen to, but there was a wee twist in the entertainment this year with the “Surprise” performance from our very own “Strathyre Choir” organised over a period of some months by Jan, and it was obvious that a lot of hard work and time had been put in by all concerned. They should take a bow they completely excelled!!!!

Hogmanay went with a bang with a fantastic Ceilidh in the hall which was “fu` tae the gunnels” with the dance floor never empty, so well done to Lynn and John and everyone else who was involved it the organisation.

The Village has quite a few new residents and it was heart-warming to see how involved they and their children have become in all the Village events, and Hogmanay was no exception.

For many it was their first Strathyre Ceilidh, but all agreed that it was amazing and very special to socialise with their many newfound friends, something Strathyre does with “Gusto”.

Well done to our local hotels who, as always, go the extra mile to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves, while they work so hard into the sma` hours, so thank you from all the Villagers.

Looking forward to forthcoming events over the year, which I will try and keep you updated with, but things can happen so quickly just now, I may lose track!!!!

Have a good year.

Wullie

Dear Mr Beresford-Wylie, As the member of Parliament for the Stirling constituency I feel compelled to write to you regarding the following matter. I would be grateful for consideration being given to the suggestion outlined below.

I am aware that at a recent Planning Committee of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park an application from Arqiva to locate a smart meter mast in the village of Strathyre was heard. The application was passed but a vote was required. The location proposed in the application has caused a great deal of concerns with the community and has generated many objections.

The location proposed is alongside the busy tourist route of the A84 Trunk Road and the visual amenity impact given the mast extends above the existing tree line is significant. Objectors have argued that an alternative location, one that would locate this mast alongside an existing mast just North of the proposed location, would be far better and would have the support of the residents in the village. Can I ask that, despite planning approval being obtained, this alternate site be thoroughly investigated and if coverage is not compromised that it be utilised.

The village of Strathyre is a beautiful location and one we should do everything possible to maintain with as little visual degradation as possible. I know the considerate actions of Arqiva would be welcomed by many people should you decide to do everything possible to address the issue and obtain a positive outcome.

Sincerely Stephen Kerr MP Here is Arquiva’s reply:

Arqiva The Met Building 22 Percy Street, London W1T 2BU T: +44 (0)330 303 6741 anirban.roy@arqiva.com www.arqiva.com Stephen Kerr MP Member of Parliament for Stirling House of Commons London SW1A 0AA 21 January 2019

Dear Mr Kerr, Smart metering for Strathyre Thank you for your letter to Simon Beresford-Wylie that we received on 12 December 2018 regarding planning permission for the smart metering mast in Strathyre. He has asked me to respond on Arqiva’s behalf. Let me start by apologising for the delay in replying.

As you rightly note, the planned mast has been approved through the full planning process. We fully understand that there may be concerns about any new site, so we seek to ensure that the local community is informed. While we are confident that we did everything properly in obtaining the planning permission at Strathyre, we appreciate that this is an exceptional situation. As a result, we have paused work on the original site and are investigating an alternative.

We are currently in discussions with the planning authority to see if that alternative site can be taken forward, but this will require a further planning application. Given the time that it takes for the planning authority to determine a planning application, it may be several months before we have a final decision from them. To be clear it is not possible to say at this stage whether that decision will be favourable or unfavourable.

The proposed new site would lead to some reduction in coverage which is one of the reasons why it was originally rejected. In addition to planning consent there may also be other factors that may make that site unfeasible. Unfortunately, that means that we are not able to say that we will not, ultimately, have to build the mast on the original site. However, given the public concern, we are carefully looking at the whole matter again.

I will plan to keep you updated at this matter progresses. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries in the interim.

Yours sincerely,

Anirban Roy Director of Public Policy

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Phil Brown Lochearnhead Postie

Lochearnhead Latest The End of an Era Following my retirement from Royal Mail on the 5th January this year from being the Lochearnhead “postie” I would just like to say a few words in writing, as I cannot remember what or if I said anything on the evening farewell gathering at the village hall organised by the village.

First of all, it was with regret that I made the decision to retire.

However, with the mail getting later on arrival the finish time of my round was also getting later. Coupled with the fact I was also trying to keep on top of the caravan park maintenance, it was becoming an impossible task.

I would like to thank the people involved in organising the event and all those who attended the evening supplying the food and drink.

To say the least, I was overwhelmed at the turnout. I would also like to thank all those who contributed by card, gift or donation to my farewell.

Although not a resident of Lochearnhead you will still be seeing me around every now and then keeping my eye on all my canine and human friends I have made over the years.

5 January 2019 was a sad day for us Lochearnhead folk. Phil Brown our Postman of many years put his last deliveries through our doors.

Nothing was ever too much trouble for Phil, whether it be helping change a light bulb, delivering a pint of milk to a housebound resident, letting dogs out or a kind caring word.

We gathered in our village hall to celebrate and wish him well. It was heart-warming to see how many people came along (with a plate of food and a bottle), just shows what a popular, appreciated and wellliked person he is.

Wishing you all the best for the next chapter of your life, Phil!

Once again - MANY THANKS. Philip Brown

HAPPY NEW YEAR...

Lochearnhead Village Hall Hogmanay Party

The Lochearnhead village hall Hogmanay party proved to be popular with residents and visitors alike and was a sell-out again this year. ‘Raband’ provided the live music and were as excellent as always so the dance floor was full from start to finish.

As always the raffle was well supported by local businesses and individuals and trade over the bar was brisk. Overall approx £1000 was raised which goes towards covering the annual running costs of the hall. The village hall committee would like to thank local businesses and individuals for their continued support of this event and their generous donations.

Save the date for next year and get your tickets early!

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Lochearnhead Flooding Scottish Water Responds to concerns raised by MSP

Scottish Water have responded to a letter from Bruce Crawford MSP to Chief Executive Douglas Millican, following reports of severe flooding on the road through Lochearnhead at the end of last year.

Mr Crawford was contacted by locals who were worried about the safety of the road, parts of which were submerged in water.

Scottish Water have since responded to the incident, and have replied to Mr Crawford, highlighting that the flooding was due to a build-up of debris, which has now been removed.

Commenting, Bruce Crawford said: “I am pleased that Scottish Water responded swiftly to this issue, which was a cause for clear concerns amongst locals in Lochearnhead over the Christmas period.

“We have been lucky not to have had much severe weather over this winter yet, however it is worrying that this is what debris can cause regardless.

“I’m grateful to the team at Scottish Water for having cleared the debris, allowing the water to drain properly, and would ask members of the public to be vigilant to such debris – especially during the winter months.”

BOOK REVIEW

The Luminaries Eleanor Catton I was recommended this book by two of my grown-up children, both of whom were reading it on their kindles. At the time I was going through a phase of choosing to read “real” books, so that if someone asked me what I was reading I could remember the name and the author by visualising the graphics of the book cover. This being something which eludes me when reading on my kindle, when book titles and authors always seem to merge together in the “cloud”. Consider my surprise then, when through the letterbox thumped this book, all 832 pages of it! Realising that finishing it may take some time I delayed starting the story until I knew I had time to get into the nitty gritty of the story and hopefully then take my time with it. Well, that didn’t work either! I couldn’t put it down.

It is a tale set in the 19th century gold rush in New Zealand written in perfect 19th Century syntax. We inhabit the town, the relentless rain, the mud and the dirt as though it were a stage set. We understand fortunes have been made and lost.

There are twelve characters whose lives intertwine and nudge each other in unexpected ways, but they remain shallowly drawn, they are there only to knit the tale together as though any more detail would detract from the construct of this novel, which is the thing that grabs you.

Each chapter ends in a cliff-hanger which makes the reader continue to the next and so it goes on. There is high melodrama with mystery, intrigue, sex and opium, murder and double dealing. One by one the individual players, the insiders, relate their version of events to the outsider, and this then becomes a narrative of a series of connected events. Each of the chapters are preceded by a brief explanation of what is to come. The chapters become shorter and shorter towards the end of the book as though the story is not the important thing but secondary to the way the tale is constructed.

And while we almost lose sight of the actors as they fade away in the drama, their lives are not the main thing, and this is the brilliance of the book.

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.

Winter is here - so when the evenings get chilly, 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

QUIZ NIGHT! Lochearnhead Village Hall February 16th 2019 7pm for 7.30pm start Teams of 4 - £10 Individual £3.00 (we can find you a team to join) Prize for the winning team Licensed Bar Tea and Coffee available To book your team / place call Helen on 01567 830388 or via the Village Hall Facebook page.

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The

St Fillans Bit Well, that was different!

End of year festivities started differently in St Fillans on December 14th with a Friday Night Outdoor Party in the old railway tunnel just north of the Village. This had been closed off for many years but was reopened as part of the development of the foot/cycle path network. As it happens, a Villager on a stroll wondered whether it could be pressed into service as an alternative to a night in the Village Hall. Out of that first thought came a Group of Volunteers who made it happen – and what an event! You can get an idea of the organisation and turnout from the pics.

Wood burners were put in place to guard against the chill, but the weather was kind and the threat of a chill easterly wind didn’t materialise. Soup, Burgers and Sausage rolls were cooked and distributed. The generator provided lighting and powered the music. Villagers brought their own tipple and mulled wine proved very popular. There was even a short burst of “strip the willow”.

Everyone went home smelling a bit like a kipper from the wood-smoke but having enjoyed it immensely and truly amazed at the transformation achieved by the Volunteers who conceived it, set it up, assisted in one way or another and then returned the tunnel to its original condition. A vote of thanks to them – Richard and Carol, Stuart and Audrey, Rico and Ulrika, Steve and Isabel, Geoff and Ruth, John W, and Susan S. - for a truly amazing event, which raised £350 for the Doddie Weir Foundation to assist the fight against Motor Neurone Disease.

St. Fillans brought in the New Year with a Party in the Hall, which filled up rapidly from 10pm as Villagers gathered to claim their tables. Good music and crack took us to the Bells and beyond, with time being called after 2am. Special thanks to Stuart and Audrey, Malcolm and Paula, Mac and Collette and Gordon and Pamela, who pulled it all together and made it the terrific night that it was. They raised a sum of £400 which was donated to the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance in Scone.

Activities for 2019 are beginning to appear. There are a couple of “Birding” walks around the Village being organised by Andrea of Aquila Ecology, a continuation of walks led by Ruth, the next one being a circular round Loch Monzievaird and, of course, our Burns Night will shortly be upon us. Full details of these and more can be found on the Village website. Looking forward to it all immensely!

Bruce 6

Approaching the Tunnel

Four Seasons News After a brief closure over January The Four Seasons is looking forward to welcoming guests back to the hotel in 2019.

Opening in time for half term, we are offering children free soft drinks with their meals in The Tarken during February, so why don’t you tire them out with a cycle ride to St Fillans have a burger and then bus it back!

For grown-ups we are re-opening with love for Valentines weekend. St Fillans is a village that likes to share the love, so we are introducing a “Feast of Sharing” for Valentines weekend on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.

Looking at a few events further ahead, we have our Food and Wine pairing evening on 29 March created by new Head Chef Chris Temple. With us for a short while last year, he is looking forward to coming back to the hotel and being creative! We are celebrating World Whisky day with an evening with Chivas Regal on 18 May and we are hosting Brunch over each of the Bank Holiday Weekends over Easter, May and August. These are of course in addition to celebrating Mother’s and Father’s Day, so we look forward to seeing you at some point over the next few months. From all at The Four Seasons.

Susan F Stuart

Brrr! Looking down on St Fillans on a bright but chilly day

MP’s Report I would like to start by wishing you a happy New Year. In Westminster we have returned to a challenging few weeks. While I recognise Remain lost the referendum and having been elected on a manifesto to leave the EU, I have not tried to frustrate Brexit, but have still championed a close future economic relationship, supporting measures to protect EU citizen rights, environmental/ social protections and continued scientific & security cooperation Post-Brexit.

I therefore voted for the Prime Minister’s deal, as the vote before Parliament was only whether or not to vote for the Prime Minister’s Deal, there were no other options. It honoured the UK-wide ‘Leave’ referendum result, while keeping as close as possible economic relationship to protect prosperity. The provisions within the Withdrawal Agreement on EU & British citizens’ rights, as well as data management and mutual recognition of qualifications means that we can provide continuity for individuals and businesses. I’m also against a “no deal” outcome that could damage our prosperity.

I believe a second referendum would be an abdication of my responsibility as your MP, as I believe it is the responsibility of MPs to find a way through this process. To be elected as an MP is an honour, but it comes with a responsibility to take decisions, a responsibility which I take very seriously and for which I am ultimately accountable. However, with the Prime Minister’s deal now voted down, I am working with colleagues from across Parliament to develop alternative options and identify a route forward for our country.

Despite Brexit inevitably taking up so much of our time, I have still been working on other important issues to the constituency in Parliament, with the UK Agriculture Bill remaining an on-going concern for me. Currently Scotland is not included in the Bill, potentially leaving Scottish farmers facing the prospect of not being able to receive the payments they are due, as well as being excluded from the UK framework. I will continue to work on finding a solution, and ultimately, I hope to see Scotland included in the Bill.

While Parliament is busy, we have a number of community projects that I am working on. One such development is of the course the Tay Cities Deal, which was signed just before Christmas, delivering over £60m of UK Government funding for Perth & Kinross. The overall package included a £1m fund dedicated to improving rural broadband across the county. Broadband coverage has been one of the key issues that people have raised with me in their correspondence and on the doorstep, and so I was delighted to see this included in the deal and look forward to working with Perth & Kinross Council and local communities to roll out the fund.

My team and I are also planning our next community action day, so if you are a local community group that would benefit from a couple of helping hands for a few hours, please get in contact!

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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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 writes of archers, knights and longbows....

Old Nyati thanks his lucky stars for getting this far, 80 years old and still “Tottering by Gently”. The old Buff is still doing 80% at clay Pigeons. Have a look at that Cape Buffalo in my photo (Nyati in Swahili or “Dagger Boy “in English) it was stuck in the icing on my cake.

It is one of the “Big Five” in Africa and is often bad tempered and highly dangerous; a big bull can throw a fullgrown lion ten feet in the air.

It is often at times like this that we think of our parents and wonder what they would think of today’s life. My father was a great shooter and conservationist and a keen bowman. There was a wonderful bow which he had made from a yew tree branch from the village churchyard (well he was the church warden at that time!)

He used to read to me from a book by Sir Arthur Conon Doyle called The White Company, which told the story of a knight and his company of bowmen on their crusade into France and beyond - and of their exploits with the longbow. A good read for young old men!

On a more local note there is a cairn on the flat river land at Fortingall marking the spot where a Scottish archer shot an arrow a measured 300 yards. That must have been a very strong bow and a strong man to draw it. This event was most probably a wager and there is a way of drawing a huge bow that would be almost impossible to draw in the normal way. The archer would lay on his back, place the great bow across the soles of his feet and draw the arrow back with both hands. One could say he was cheating by turning himself into a crossbow. But perhaps there was a ‘dram’ at stake!

The bow would have been made of yew.

The ancient yew by Fortingall Church would have stood witness to this. It is fairly certain that the yew trees around Stronvar House were grown for making bows; they would be many hundreds of years old and certainly pre-date Stronvar.

Let’s hope that they are cared for in the future. The arrows were of willow and a “clothyard” long with flights from a goose feather.

At this point in my story take a moment to read my attachment of the marching song of the English archers - of the bow, the arrows, the grey goose feathers and the men. It was the great victory at the battle of Agincourt which gave fame to the English long bow and of the archers themselves. The bowmen could shoot five 8

Marching Song of the English Archers What of the bow?

The bow was made in England: Of true wood, of yew wood, The wood of English bows; So men who are free Love the old yew tree And the land where the yew tree grows.

We’ll drink all together To the gray goose feather And the land where the gray goose flew.” arrows in the time it took the opponents to load and shoot just one bolt with their crossbows. Remember a bow is never “fired”, that came later with the invention of gunpowder.

Let us go back to Old Nyati`s family.

There is a connection here with the battle of Agincourt and of Poitiers. My mother’s maiden name was Hand and the family home was in the estate village of the Fitzherbert family. During the Crusades and the battles in France the Fitzherbert knight had a faithful squire who fought alongside him. After the victories and the homecoming, the knight decided to give his faithful squire a special name: look carefully at my picture of the crest on the back of the chair which has been handed down to me. It depicts the Fitzherbert crest which is a mailed fist holding a dagger. In honour of his services the squire was appropriately named “Hand”.

Medieval honours list perhaps, and his descendants have lived on the estate until now. Romantic stuff!

What of the cord?

The cord was made in England: A rough cord, a tough cord, A cord that bowmen love; So we’ll drain our jacks To the English flax And the land where the hemp was wove.

What of the shaft?

The shaft was cut in England: A long shaft, a strong shaft, Barbed and trim and true; So we’ll drink all together To the gray goose feather And the land where the gray goose flew.

What of the men?

The men were bred in England: The bowman—the yeoman— The lads of dale and fell Here’s to you—and to you; To the hearts that are true And the land where the true hearts dwell.

Excerpt From: Arthur Conan Doyle. “The White Company”. Apple Books.

Balquhidder Church News A Note from St Angus “Believing is a choice for everyone,” according to Cliff Richard in his song The Miracle of Love. I had never really thought about that until I heard it. A Roman Catholic friend of mine once told me that faith is a gift so is there a difference between belief and faith? I can’t answer that so I appeal to the minister – please Russel can you answer that one? Are you up for some ecumenical dialogue?! I strongly believe that the things which unite us are far stronger than those which divide but human nature seems to like to emphasise the differences for some reason. For example, I don’t really think God is too bothered about whether we have Bishops or Moderators, General Assemblies or Synods etc. We may not be all singing from the same hymn sheet but I’m sure we all subscribe to the one creed.

We all believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and we put our faith in Him (am I getting the hang of the faith /belief thing?).

To go back to my first thought that believing is a choice does that mean I can just decide to stop believing, that despite the gospels and the historical non-Christian and, presumably, unbiased evidence I can just dismiss it all as rubbish?

That would be very hard to do when all my personal experience tells me otherwise. Of course, the problem of suffering can make it hard to believe in a loving God, but we are not puppets with our strings attached to heaven to be jerked out of the way when danger looms. So many of the answers to the world’s problems have been provided for us if we could just put our energies and money into developing them rather than developing armaments and methods of killing each other. This wonderful world which has been provided for us is a world of contrasts – hot and cold, good and bad, love and hate, sickness and health etc etc.

It’s not possible to have one without the other is it?

Just more pew ponderings….

MUSINGS FROM THE MANSE

The ‘Bully Wee’ and Everyday Heroes In footballing terms, I am a “Hibee” having followed the Edinburgh team since 1968. It is just like being a Christian: we need a lot of faith, hope and perseverance! My first match at Easter Road, that same year saw St Johnstone beat us 1-0. After a long sojourn in the North East where I only saw Hibs if they played Aberdeen, I decided in 2004 to take my youngest boy Peter for a day out to the capital, have some great food, and visit the hallowed ground for the opening game of the new season. Yes, we lost to Kilmarnock 1-0. Oh, the joys! Then I moved to Edinburgh in 2008 to a congregation on the east side of the city full of fellow Hibees. Great times were had by all. Friendship and banter at the match on Saturday and fellowship and banter at the church on Sunday. I miss those days. Of course, I was in Edinburgh when we won the Scottish Cup in 2016 after 114 years of trying. Unfortunately, on the day of the cup final Brenda and I were on a train to London to meet my daughter’s future in-laws and, when Hibs paraded the cup in the capital the following day, I was on the train coming back from London. Bummer!

On a more serious note, we have, these past four years, been commemorating the centenary of the Great War of 1914-1918. This has meant I have thought long and hard about my grandfather and all he experienced during that time. I am so grateful to have the treasure trove of stories he shared with me about that conflict. Yet there was another topic very dear to his heart and about which there was another boxful of stories. My grandfather was a great football fan and supporter of Clyde FC. A Glasgow man born and bred, he eschewed the lure of supporting the big clubs Rangers and Celtic and was fiercely proud of his working-class roots and the team he followed. Clyde are affectionately known as the ‘Bully Wee’. This nickname probably has its roots in the Victorian slang “bully,” meaning first-rate/good/worthy. The “wee” is self-explanatory given that Clyde were not one of the bigger clubs. Despite living in the shadow of their bigger neighbours, Clyde have often punched above their weight winning the Scottish Cup three times. Their supporters are passionate and dedicated with a strong sense of identity and history.

They also have a strong sense of destiny and a hopeful confidence of future success. A bit like the Christian Church!

I have no doubt that Jesus was seen as “bully” by his fellow Galilean countrymen and certainly the revolution he began was initiated by a small band of ordinary “bully” men and women who also had a strong sense of identity and destiny. It was their passionate commitment and dedication that helped change history. The Church began as a small and lowly group living in the shadow of the Empires of the world but for 2,000 years it has punched well above its weight and in so many ways, still does. My Grandfather was an elder in the Kirk and some of his most moving stories were of him helping his men recite the Lord’s Prayer or the 23rd Psalm whilst under German artillery fire. Many of them were not Church members but they found great comfort in what one of them called these “special words.” The Church, at its core has always been about ordinary folk although for a lot of its history it has had an unholy alliance with power and privilege too. That thankfully is changing. Society too, is fundamentally about ordinary people. Despite the media obsession with the rich and famous, it is the unsung heroes in every community throughout the land who do the countless unreported and unrecognised acts of goodness and kindness every day. It is this which makes a real difference to people’s lives. I saw a reference recently to EDH’s (Every Day Heroes!). I thought that was a brilliant term and so apt a designation of the ordinary people in every community in the land who serve others quietly yet effectively in a thousand and one different ways. They are the “Bully Wee” of our nation. They deserve our thanks and respect.

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More Ramblings about Dundurn Parish

Have your say on the review of the Core Paths Plan

A tale of Assault and Slander in rural Perthshire St Fillans Woman gets £50 Damages from the Colonel For many years the villagers had led a quiet and peaceful life but the events that occurred on Thursday 12th December 1907 in the post office, would soon become the talking point in every household. The news spread like wildfire throughout the area. The talk was that the much respected, Mrs Margaret Scott, daughter of Peter Ferguson the local roadman, and wife of James Scott had been horse whipped by Colonel Stewart, the new tenant of Heathcote!

Brevet-Colonel Charles John Butler Stewart, late of the Seaforth Highlanders, born 7th June 1846 in Madras, as a Captain had served as a gunnery instructor in Halifax Nova Scotia (9/5/186925/11/1871) where he met and married Florence Simpson. He later served on the North West Frontier and was involved in the Hazara campaigns of 1881 and 1891.

His last posting prior to his arrival in the village was as Commanding Officer at Fort George, Inverness-shire.

The Scotts had themselves only recently returned to the area where her husband had been appointed Post Master, she herself having previously been the Postmistress. On her marriage to James Scott in 1902 she gave up the post in favour of her sister Jessie.

The dispute arose over a dog fight which took place in the kitchen attached to the Post Office. It would appear that on the day in question Colonel Stewart, along with his Terrier, had called at the Post Office on business. (where previously he had been annoyed by two large dogs lying about the premises). After being in the Post Office only a minute he heard the dogs fighting, and saw his own terrier being bitten by a larger dog. He said he did not want to see the dogs fight but knew that if his dog was attacked it would fight. After the dogs had been separated, they again commenced fighting. As Mrs Scott’s dog would not let go of his own terrier the Colonel struck the big dog several times on the head with his riding crop. Mrs Scott intervened and was accidentally struck, or so he said, and called him a brute for hitting the dog.

He, however, refused to apologise for his behaviour and left.

He then made a complaint to the Postmaster at Crieff, who interviewed him, and thereafter saw Mrs Scott and her husband. The reply he got from the Postmaster did not satisfy him, so he reported the matter to the Secretary of the General Post Office for Scotland. He received a letter from the Secretary to the effect that Mrs Scott was not to be allowed to enter the post office portion of the premises, and also that he was 10

satisfied that there was no foundation at all for the statement of Mrs Scott, that the defendant had struck her with a riding whip.

Armed with this letter he then began to call on several members of the community, and at the manse at St Fillans, falsely and calumniously stated to Mrs Armstrong and others that Mrs Scott was a liar, and that she was well known to the police. He further stated that she was of such bad character that he would not touch her with a barge pole, or words to that effect, meaning thereby that she was of a disreputable and immoral character, and an undesirable person to hold the position of sub-postmistress, and as being of such a character as not to be fit to associate with honourable and respectable people. He, it was alleged, repeated these slanders in a letter to Mrs McIntosh, (Neish House) in which he accused the pursuer of making a malicious and lying charge against him, and described her as a “low common creature”.

Mr Alexander Porteous, (Ancaster House) said that shortly after the occurrence at the Post Office. Colonel Stewart called at his residence, and when Mr Porteous went to the door, he told the Colonel that he was not at home - meaning that he was not at home for visitors. The Colonel, he said, spat on the doorstep as he walked away. He also considered that Colonel Stewart was an objectionable character and that he would like to see him out of St Fillans as he was not an acquisition. In the Annuls of St Fillans, Alexander Porteous makes no mention of this incident, but could this be the reason for the inclusion of a Photograph of the old post office showing both Mr and Mrs Scott and one of their Collie dogs in that 1912 publication?

Mrs Scott had originally claimed compensation of £1000 for Assault and Slander. The Colonel was cleared of the assault charge, but the charge of slander was upheld, and compensation was fixed at £50 plus expenses, for his unworthy tirade.

In November 1908 Colonel Stewart and his wife gave up the tenancy of Heathcote (now known as Clachnaba and home to the Moncrieff family) eventually settling at Inverlounin, Lochgoilhead. He died there in 1918. It was indeed fortunate that Sheriff Sym only set the sum awarded at £50, as it transpired that on his death his estate was valued at £480.

Margaret Ferguson was a native of St Fillans, born in 1873 at Cairndhu Cottage where she died on the 22nd February 1928. Her husband James Scott

Just a few weeks are left for communities to have their say on the proposed amendments to the National Park Authority Core Paths Plan.

Core Paths are the essential path networks that provide a reasonable level of access throughout the National Park. The existing Core Paths Plan was adopted in 2010 but over the intervening years there have been various new paths created and upgrades to some existing paths that may now meet the criteria to be designated as Core Paths. There have also been realignments of some Core Paths and some paths that were included as Core Paths in the Plan that have not been created as had been previously envisaged. The National Park Authority has reviewed the existing Plan and has made a series of proposed amendments, additions and deletions which are now being consulted on.

Share your thoughts. The consultation is open until Friday 15th February 2019. You can review the proposed changes to the Core Paths Plan and submit a response to the consultation here. The online consultation asks a series of questions about the suitability of the Plan and also gives you the ability to draw any suggested additions, deletions or realignments directly onto the digital map. Paper copies of the Plan and consultation questions are also available at the following locations:

National Park Authority Headquarters, Balloch National Park Authority Office, Callander Three Villages Hall, Arrochar More information about the consultation can be found at www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/ CorePaths.

If you have any questions, then please get in touch with accessteam@lochlomond-trossachs.org

predeceased her, he died 14th June 1915. Both are interned in the Dundurn Graveyard.

She, along with her sister Jessie, also ran the Village laundry from a building near-by Ancaster House (now the Four Seasons Hotel).

The Old Crock

Callander

Ramblers Club

Sponsored by Caledonian Country Wear

Burns Night at Monachyle Mhor The annual celebration of Robert Burns at the Monachyle was smaller and more intimate this year, taking place in the hotel itself.

A packed house was treated to all the familiar speeches and spectacles including Charlie Methven (above) performing Tam O’Shanter and Charlie Hunter (right) putting his own stamp on the Address to the Haggis.

See the March edition of The Villagers for a report on the Burns Night at Balquhidder Village Hall.

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: February Wed 6 09:30 Stroll: Strathyre Forest (5 miles) Contact 01877 384227 Sat 16 08:30 Hill: Doughnot Hill (374m) Contact 01877 339080 Wed 27 09:30 Ramble: A Loch Ard Circuit (10 miles) Contact 01877 382803 March Sat 2 08:30 Hill: Moncrieffe Hill (223m) Contact 01786 823086 Wed 13 09:30 Stroll: Denovan & Dales Wood (4 miles) Contact 01786 825682 Sat 23 08:30 Ramble: Invertrossachs & Loch Drunkie (11 miles) Contact 01877 382682 April Sat 6 08:30 Hill: Beinn an Fhogharaidh (616m) Contact 01877 382682 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.

Scottish Poppy Appeal 2018 Congratulations to everyone in the three villages (and from the visitors) on the tremendous achievement of the collection boxes for Poppy Scotland.

The amount of £658.28 will go a long way to giving the help and support of veterans and also the men and women who are still putting their lives at risk on the front line so they can make the world a safer place. My thoughts, as always at this time of year, are with the armed forces wherever they happen to be deployed, and their families.

We hope they all had a happy Christmas and new year - and we wait for their safe return to their loved ones.

T Anderson 1st BT KOSB / ACC

Rural Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) A new booking system for the council‐ backed rural transport service (DRT) has been launched in Stirling giving customers a simpler and more flexible way of booking and managing their journeys. Registration and booking requests for DRT can be made at www. stirling.gov.uk/drt allowing users to manage journeys 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Phone bookings can still be made Monday to Friday, 9am‐3pm on 01786 404040.

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Rural Asks from Rural Parliament Published

Scottish Wildlife Trust CALLANDER LOCAL GROUP TALKS PROGRAMME 2018-19 Meetings start at 7:30pm Kirk Hall, Church St, Callander FK17 8BN

Scottish Rural Action has published key findings from the third Scottish Rural Parliament during an exhibition at the Scottish Parliament at which MSPs from all parties were invited to pledge to ‘Speak Up for Rural Scotland’. The exhibition was followed by an evening reception sponsored by Finlay Carson MSP, constituency MSP for the 2018 Rural Parliament host town of Stranraer.

The Rural Parliament took place in November and brought 400 people working, volunteering and representing rural communities together with policy makers and influencers to explore solutions to rural challenges.

Contributions during the event from more than 50 workshops have now been analysed and Scottish Rural Action have published Six Rural Asks, they are: • More decision-making should be carried out at a local level, and more services should be delivered at a local level. There was consensus that rural people believe there are a wide range of issues on which their voices are not heard and needs not met by the public and private sector. It is generally believed that urban needs are prioritised because more people live there.

• There needs to be a transparent, formalised and obligatory process for identifying rural-urban tensions and needs within the policy-making process. Rural communities require support and information in understanding how public sector decisions are made and if, and how, those decisions balance rural and urban needs.

• The rural voice needs to be heard on issues which are key to the future and sustainability of rural communities. Too often the rural voice is often not present in the room when policy is being agreed.

For example, the Homelessness and Rough Sleepers Action Group had no rural representation.

• Communities need to be educated 12

and supported to take advantage of new legislation designed to empower them, for example, making use of compulsory purchase legislation to build new housing. This legislation could be highly effective, but only if communities are effectively supported in utilising it and bureaucracy in doing so is minimised.

• Rural communities can be and are agents of change.

By proactively engaging with decision-makers, leading by example in terms of inclusion and being innovative in solving problems, rural communities are often the key to unlocking rural potential.

• There is a need for increased crosssector knowledge and experiencesharing; examining specific issues and solutions with a view to adapting and replicating the innovation which is taking place in some rural areas. Challenges can be best addressed cost-effectively through co-production and partnerships; we need to be working together to tackle those issues which are going to have the deepest impact on the sustainability of rural communities.

Emma Cooper, Chief Executive of Scottish Rural Action, said: “While the Rural Parliament covered a very broad range of topics and challenges, there were clear overarching themes and asks from rural Scotland that primarily relate to equality, inclusivity and knowledge sharing.

“What has emerged from the Rural Parliament is a clear demand that the voice of rural Scotland should be heard.

This is particularly crucial during the Brexit negotiations and post-Brexit policy development. We know that rural areas will be particularly affected by divergence from EU policies and removal from EU structural funds.

“We were very pleased to be able to share our findings with elected representatives in Holyrood and we are grateful to Finlay Carson MSP for sponsoring our

Tuesday 12th February ’19 Red Kites in Scotland Duncan Orr-Ewing RSPB Scotland’s Head of Species and Land Management • Tuesday 12th March ’19 Management of Healthy River Systems Jonathan Louis River Forth Fisheries Trust Project Officer • Tuesday 9th April ‘19 Gardening with Wildlife + very brief AGM Suzanne Burgess, Buglife Scotland Manager Suggested donations to cover costs: Members £2, non-members £2.50 students free includes tea/coffee & biscuits Local Contact: Lesley Hawkins 01877 339080 mlhawkins@tiscali.co.uk General information available on swt.org.uk

exhibition and reception. No matter what constitutional and funding changes take place in the years ahead, there is a real opportunity for Scotland to take a more inclusive and more innovative approach to meeting rural needs.”

Finlay Carson, constituency MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, commented: “In many ways Stranraer was the perfect host venue for the Rural Parliament as it exemplifies many of the challenges rural areas face, such as transport difficulties, an aging population and simply not being heard. Importantly Stranraer also highlights what is best about rural Scotland, in particular its people.

“I was pleased to sponsor Scottish Rural Action’s event in the Scottish Parliament as it is important that rural issues and opportunities are understood by all MSPs, particularly those issues that present differently in rural communities, such as rural homelessness. I’m pleased to support the important work of Scottish Rural Action and I will personally be doing my best to speak up for rural Scotland.”

The publication ‘Rural Voice’ containing the key findings from the Rural Parliament can be read on the Scottish Rural Action website, www.sra.scot.

Scottish Wildlife Trust Drumardoch Estate Management

Curlews in Crisis The evocative calls of curlews have heralded the start of spring for generations but they are globally threatened. The UK’s breeding population is of international importance, estimated to represent more than 30 per cent of the west European population. However, the curlew is one of our most threatened birds and, since the 1990s, numbers have halved; -59% in Scotland which has ~60% of the UK’s breeding population. Poor breeding success has been linked to changes in land-use, as well as increased predation.

Irene Tomankova of RSPB, speaker at our November SWT talk, added detail to those headlines.

Curlews are our largest wader, equivalent in weight to 1000 goldcrests! They winter along the coast but are primarily birds of extensively managed rough grasslands, moorlands and bogs. They start breeding at 3 years, lay 4 eggs with 30 days’ incubation but generally hatch only 2-3 chicks which take 4-5 weeks to fly. To maintain the population each pair only needs to raise 0.5 chicks per year but this is not being achieved. Although adult birds have a 90% survival rate, nest predation means only 5-10% of eggs/chicks survive their first year. Crow density is higher than in other European countries and foxes are higher only in Italy. It has been postulated that this may be linked to the increased food in the form of introduced non-native game birds, whose numbers have increased 9-fold from 1960-2010.

Ironically, control of foxes and crows by gamekeepers managing moorlands for red grouse shooting may be important in maintaining breeding curlew population.

In a Shropshire study, 9 of 12 eggs were predated; 1 by a crow, 1 by a badger and 7 by foxes. Therefore surveys of fox scat distribution taken over a 20km line in March, May and July are used to define a management plan for predator control.

Agricultural intensification of upland farmland and moorland (eg drainage and reseeding) and afforestation of moorlands are likely to have been important in causing past declines in breeding populations and these activities may continue to exert deleterious effects on populations. Surveys measure habitat composition every 25m along 100m

Neill Cameron, speaker at our December SWT talk, gave an enthusiastic and comprehensive presentation on the aims and challenges of managing the Drumardoch Estate’s mix of agriculture, rough pasture, parkland and commercial & native woodland along with improving habitats for wildlife.

The primary aim must be enhancing its long-term business viability, consequently increasing employment opportunities while producing quality food & products and protecting/enhancing the environment. Traditional elements of the business include cattle and sheep, commercial forestry and a sporting estate allied to control deer numbers. The land use breaks down into 39% grazed & 17% un-grazed hillside with 23% commercial & 6% native forest. More recent diversifications include hydro-electric schemes and visitor management in the two car parking areas alongside the A84 at Loch Lubnaig.

This has been a collaborative effort with the National Park to address increasing vandalism, huge amounts of litter and damage to trees. Within the designated camping management zone, simple camping pitches for 9 tents, parking for 2 motorhomes and basic facilities have been created. The Cabin café offers homeproduced beef and lamb and is proving beneficial to both environment and business.

Conservation and the landscape were described as a big responsibility; the estate is home to priority species such as black grouse, red squirrels and pine martens while buzzards, red kites, kestrel, peregrine, goshawks and the increasingly rare hen harrier can be seen above the heathland. Leny Quarry is a SSSI for its lime-loving plants and the river Teith a SAC for salmon & lampreys. Control of non-native invasive species such as rhododendron and Japanese Knotweed is ongoing. The diverse habitats range from heather and heath plus blanket bog at higher altitudes, through varied woodland to wet meadows at Little Leny.

Under the HLF-funded Callander Landscape Project these historic meadows will be managed to restore the characteristic flora, removing the now dominant rank vegetation. The burial ground will be stabilised, and access improved. In the meadow north of the cycle track, riparian habitat will be improved, and the riverbank stabilised. Grazing with cattle can then be used to improve the habitat for a range of flora and fauna, offering ‘outdoor classroom’ opportunities.

Under the Black Grouse project ~100 acres of native woodland in 3 fenced locations have been planted, mainly with birch, willow with lower density at the edges for grouse habitat. Due to a reduced number of sheep, heather is regenerating, and coarse vegetation is being reduced by summer cattle grazing.

More controversially, to protect this ground-nesting bird, numbers of predatory foxes and crows are controlled (not ravens). Encouragingly, black grouse numbers are increasing slowly with 12 lekking males counted in spring 2018.

At lower altitudes dry stone dykes have been rebuilt and native hedges planted, traditionally laid and cut on only one side each year to retain fruit and berries.

Four ponds have been rebuilt/restored along with wet peatland restoration. It was recently calculated that the Estate’s peat and forestry sequestered 8,494t CO2 annually and, combined with hydro-electric schemes, the estate is admirably CO2 negative.

Achieving the correct balance was described as ‘challenging’ and requires a long-term view of changing demands and external factors. ‘Live as if you will die tomorrow but farm as if you will live forever’.

Lesley Hawkins grid lines, allowing habitat management to be introduced in areas where it will offer greatest benefits. Curlews prefer low density of vegetation and moderate rush cover so management includes rush cutting, vegetation thinning and selective grazing. The RSPB has identified 5 sites where abundance of curlews & predators and habitat structure & composition will be monitored over 5 years: Pennines, N Wales, Co Antrim, Scottish borders and Caithness. A new study will look at the impact of insecticides in uplands to look

at whether there are fewer insects or the wrong type or at the wrong time.

However, this is yet another example where individual species conservation must take into account the wider environment to balance potentially conflicting demands. Grouse moors, farming and increased forestry need careful planning controls to avoid further loss of important breeding grounds in addition to loss of other key habitats such as peat bogs and designated protected areas.

Lesley Hawkins 13

Kasia’s Co okin’... Badrijani “Badrijani” is the Georgian aubergine recipe.

This vegetarian dish is usually to be found on any traditional Georgian “Supra” or feast table. It can be eaten alongside meat or fish, or just on its own with fresh bread. “Badrijani” is the mouth-watering dish our family is in love with.

The recipe is courtesy of Iona Mchedliani.

Ingredients: 3 large or 5 medium-sized aubergines 1 bag of parsley 1 bag of coriander 3-5 cloves of garlic Half a jar of shop-bought mayonnaise, or one soup bowl amount of fresh mayonnaise (this can be substituted for ground walnuts) Salt to season Olive (or any vegetable) oil for frying Pomegranate seeds to garnish Method: Wash the aubergines and cut off the ends. Slice them lengthwise about 1 cm thick. Salt the slices (both sides) and lay them on a board for about half an hour (the salt draws bitter moisture out of the raw vegetable and softens them in preparation for the cooking).

Meanwhile, cut the herbs finely and

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mash the garlic; mix these into the mayonnaise.

Rinse the salt off the aubergine slices and pat them dry. Fry each slice on both sides in oil until they are soft when speared with a fork. Leave the fried slices stacked on a plate to cool.

Once the aubergine slices have cooled completely, spread the mayonnaise

mixture over one side of each slice then fold the slice over to make a folded sandwich shape.

Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and enjoy!

This recipe lasts well in the fridge for a day or two, so can either be eaten straightaway or enjoyed later.

Enjoy! Gemrielad Miirtvit!

Kasia

After our short Christmas break all our groups are back with renewed vigour and attendance is good. The Mah-jong group has had to find a new venue due its ever increasing membership and have found a new home in Callander Kirk Hall. The Knit & Natter group reported on amazing sales of their products at craft fairs and have donated £400 to the Killin Mountain Rescue team. Lisa Higginson received the cheque on the team’s behalf and gave the group a talk on how you prepare for mountain rescue, showing everyone the contents of her rucksack, to the amazement of many who wondered how far uphill they could manage to carry it!

Anyone not familiar with U3A and its aims should have a look at our website ‘Callander and West Perthshire U3A’ where details of over 30 groups with timetables are available. Contact can be made by e-mail to the Secretary direct from our website and for the remaining 6 months of this year’s programme the membership fee is only £5. We welcome new members at any time.

Clare’s Book Local author Clare Hunter’s modest comments about being busy writing ”a wee book about sewing“ are being revealed as a great understatement, with her book about to be published and the title revealed as Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle. The surprising story of sewing.

One of the pre-publication reviews gives a flavour of what we can expect from her book: “On 7 Feb, SceptreBooks will publish Threads of Life by @ sewingmatters. Part-history, partmemoir, it’s a stunning book about sewing, embroidery, stories, protest, memory, power and love. I was enlightened, delighted, fascinated, moved... and you will be, too.”

Her book will feature as the Book of the Week on Radio 4 and Clare will also be a guest on Woman’s Hour. We wish her all success for her work and hope we might get an insight into the delights and strains of actually sending her thoughts out into the big world.

Another Well-Deserved Award It was very appropriate that Moira Welsh learnt of the latest surprise in her life through a letter delivered to her in November. She was totally surprised to read that she was going to be awarded the British Empire Medal in the upcoming New Years Awards. This was in recognition of her outstanding service to the people of Balquhidder over the years as their “postie”. The letter asked her not to make the award public until they were officially announced so it was perhaps fortunate, she was about to go on holiday and easier to keep the big secret. She told her family on the day and then received congratulations from friends and neighbours as well as letters of congratulation from the Secretary of State.

Moira does not know yet when she will receive her award, but it will most probably be at Holyrood with the Lord Lieutenant presenting the medal. She will also receive an invitation to the Royal Garden Party in July so at least one new dress is a must. Apparently, her son now addresses her as “Ma’am” and Dougie is learning to walk 3 steps behind her!

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McLaren High School Forth Valley College PCR Higher Biology Trip Higher Biology pupils attended a lab based workshop at Forth Valley College to help further their understanding on the techniques involved in PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and Electrophoresis. These topics frequently come up in exams and so to be able to physically carry out the practical themselves and see what happens at each stage of the process was extremely beneficial to understanding the theory behind it. Students worked in an environment very different to the classroom and worked in full protective equipment such as lab coats, safety glasses and disposable gloves. They were also exposed to equipment we do not have available to us in School, which is great for those thinking of moving on to a lab based environment whether that be a career in lab, or studying science further at college or university level. Overall, this was an excellent opportunity to all involved and was much enjoyed by students and staff.

Higher Biology

Top of the bench - Chemistry

Reindeer Trail Competition Well done to Nina Harrison and Thomas Setterington in S1 who were chosen to design a reindeer for The Reindeer Trail in Stirling. Pupils from schools across Stirling Council entered the competition and Nina and Thomas’s designs were chosen as part of the final 20. The reindeer are displayed in shop windows across Stirling.

Loch Eil

Outward Bound at Loch Eil The Outdoor Experience at Loch Eil Outward Bound Centre is an established event on our school calendar which pupils and staff look forward to every year. Participating in outdoor activities and working as part of a team, whatever the weather, to undertake challenges has proved to be an invaluable and rewarding experience for all involved.

It’s a great way to build relationships with pupils and staff and we believe that everyone should experience life outside the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development.

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School Dances and Concerts Our young people really know how to dance, make music and enjoy life!

S1 School of Discovery Trip The S1 ‘School of Discovery’ pupils visited Glasgow Science Centre to participate in a series of STEM and Space activities as their first Unit ‘School of Space’ ended. The 17 pupils, who chose this option when moving into S1, visited the Planetarium for a tour of the stars and our solar system. They also watched the IMAX film about Astronomy entitled ‘Hidden Universe’ as well as exploring the STEM exhibits of the Science hall.

visit our website: www.mclarenhigh.co.uk 17

Balquhidder Christmas Tree Festival 2018

Our third Christmas Tree Festival took place on the 8th December and amazingly the rain stopped, the skies cleared, the stars came out and we had an almost perfect evening for the tree-lit walk (from the beautifully decorated church, where our Rev Russel got the evening underway with carols, down to the village hall for the inspection of the tree creations to see who won the awards).

Callander Brass took centre stage and treated everyone to a wonderful collection of Christmas music while people admired the trees and enjoyed mulled wine (and fish & chips!) Then Charlie Methven hosted the auction, which, together with donations and sponsorship, helped to raise the sum of ÂŁ2000. As in previous years, this money will go to the Air Ambulance.

Well done everyone who took part!

Above: from the balcony, Choir Occasional led the singing in the church; left: the musicians tune up. Below: Balquhidder Church looking wintry and dramatic!

A miniature Enchanted Forest!

Connor pipes the walkers along the tree-lit route to the hall

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Here is a selection of the amazing tree creations from the Festival. Apologies to any tree that was missed out! The overall Supreme Champion award was won by The Broch, whose Gingerbread entry (below) was simply stunning!

A BIG THANK YOU... to all our wonderful Sponsors!

Mhor 84 The Wee Gem Scissor Sisters Carol Cowan Inverlochlarig Farm Strathyre Village Shop The White Stag, Strathyre Alison Inglis Colin Roy Lorraine Deeley The Broch CafĂŠ Malcolm McNaughton Sue Haste Erica MacKenzie Fiona Leishman Connor Ramsay-Clapham Sandy Lyle and not forgetting

Penny Hannah

who made all the difference.

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Callander Bridge Club

McLaren Badminton Club in Callander recently held its annual club competitions and local Lochearnhead resident, Steve Neal, triumphed in the mixed doubles competition.

Steve and his mixed doubles partner Fiona Tickner from Crianlarich fought off 5 other couples in some close games to win the 2018 competition.

Steve is pictured 3rd from the right, with Fiona 2nd from the right.

McLaren Badminton Club is a friendly club meeting at 7.30 pm every Tuesday in McLaren Leisure Centre, Callander and new players are always welcome. Dust off your racquet and come along!

Have you played Bridge in the past?

Would you like the opportunity to return to Bridge after a break for other interests, playing Duplicate Bridge in a friendly social environment?

Callander Bridge Club was originally formed some 40 years ago and has met in several Callander locations over the years, it now meets every Wednesday evening at the Old Bank commencing at 7.00pm.

The Club would welcome new members who have played Bridge in the past and, if required, can arrange partners.

Anyone interested in learning the game, or improving/refreshing their existing skills, can do so by joining the Callander and West Perthshire U3A as a stepping stone to playing with the Callander Bridge Club. This group meets every Monday at the Old Bank restaurant (left hand door) commencing at 2pm.

We would love to welcome you to our group, and you can join us by contacting David at 01877 330016 or email cpndread@sky.com or call Geoff on 07980 346841.

Killin and District Volunteer Car Scheme January 2019 December was a busy time for the car scheme. As well as taking people to appointments the drivers and escorts attended a very successful dementia awareness training session, delivered

by Donna Patterson from Alzheimer Scotland. All those present signed up to become Dementia Friends and now have an insight into how dementia effects people and have a better overall understanding of ways they may be able to support them.

The Trustees also met with representatives of NHS Forth Valley Transport and the ambulance service in an attempt to develop better working links with then and possibly some funding.

This felt like a very positive meeting and hopefully is the start of a good working partnership between all parties. .

The Trustees are very aware of the need to try to reduce the cost of travel for everyone and as a result it was decided that users of the car scheme would no longer have to pay for the journey the driver makes to get to them. They will only pay for the journey from their home and back again and the car scheme will cover the cost of the dead miles drivers have undertaken to get to them. This should help those in outlying areas by reducing their travel costs.

To contact the Car Scheme, call 07988280743.

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KILLIN AND DISTRICT CAR SCHEME - NEW YEAR - NEW LOWER PRICES Only pay for journeys from your home and back again (Not from the driver’s home) Safe, reasonably priced, friendly, volunteer car service, for people struggling with public transport to hospitals, dentists, social activities, or other places which make life more comfortable and easier for all 07988 280743

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

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:

Position Vacant!

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 - Choir Occasional. (Contact Gill 07778 702304)

Friday

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

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

Balquhidder Parish Church

FEBRUARY 2019

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Closing date for Community Council nominations - see page 2

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The Villagers AGM - The White Stag, Strathyre - 7.30pm - See page 2

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SWT Talk - Kirk Hall, Callander - see page 12

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Quiz Night - Lochearnhead - see page 5

MARCH

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SWT Talk - Kirk Hall, Callander - see page 12

Stephen Kerr MP 49 Borestone Crescent, Stirling FK7 9BQ 01786 475034 Luke Graham MP Crieff Constituency Office, 2 Comrie Street, Crieff 01764 680384 luke.graham.mp@parliament.uk Councillor Martin Earl Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET earlm@stirling.gov.uk 01786 233114 Councillor Evelyn Tweed Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET 01786 233101 Councillor Jeremy McDonald Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET 01786 233117

Registered Charity No. SCO12316

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

Sundays 11.30am Minister: Rev Graham McWilliams Tel: 01764 671 045

ROMAN CATHOLIC Callander, St Joseph the Worker Sundays 11.30am Saturday Vigil Mass 5.30pm from May through to September Killin, in the Episcopal Church Sundays 2.30pm Father Jim McCruden 2 Ancaster Square, Callander Tel: 01877 330 702

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

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

Vestry Secretary - Maureen Lipscomb Tel: 01567 830234

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

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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 !

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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Balquhidder’s New Year Celebrations Our back cover gives a flavour of the Hogmany Party in Balquhidder with the Pipe Band, Elastic Band, piano players, soloists and many more entertaining villagers and friends up to the Bells.

Hardy souls reassembled on New Year’s Day to dance the night away with the floor being full of enthusiastic participants from 4 years old up to.....?

Thanks to the excellent organisers of both nights.