The Villagers November 2019

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

Have you “herd”?

Community Coos for Loch Earn at Crieff ‘Cowches’ Auction

Loch Earn has acquired two new colourful additions to the BLiSS Trail of artistic installations.

Read all about it on page 12!

Editor’s Bit With all the mayhem and chaos around, isn’t it wonderful to be able to enjoy a quiet walk and appreciate all the brilliant autumn colours around our villages. Let me share a couple of quotes that perfectly sum up the scenes. Firstly, Thomas Hood painted a mystical picture in his poem Ode: Autumn (written in 1827): “I saw old Autumn in the misty morn Stand, shadowless like silence, listening To silence...” and this, from Yeats’ poem The Wild Swans at Coole (1917): The trees are in their autumn beauty, The woodland paths are dry Under the October twilight the water Mirrors a still sky.”

Hopefully if you’re feeling tranquil you will be able to read all about the delights being served up in our area in the next few weeks. Fill up your diaries and support as many as possible!

Please let us have any further dates for December and January in the next couple of weeks.

JJ

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

You’re cordially invited to come and share a glass of mulled wine, some carols - and get in a festive mood in Balquhidder’s lovely church - all decorated for Christmas.

The Choir will be performing a variety of favourite songs, and we’ll have guests - local musicians are coming to showcase their talents.

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

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

Concert at St Mary’s, Aberfoyle 17th November 2019 at 3pm

Balquhidder Hall

AGM

will be held on Tuesday 26th November at 7.30pm (in the Hall!)

Pistons & Pipes

with a Soprano and Drums Sally Carr ~ soprano Calum Robertson ~ organ and clarinet Christopher Roberts ~ trumpet Thomas Lowe ~ baroque drums

‘Old Nyati’

October’s issue of The Villagers had sadly already gone to bed when this wonderful photo of ‘Old Nyati’ (alias Edward Chadfield) arrived on our electronic doorstep. So we’re including him now with a fond wish of “Haste ye back.”

We’ll miss those monthly writings.

All the best to you and Jane, Edward!

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We are delighted to welcome multitalented musician, Calum Robertson, back to Aberfoyle. He is coming with soprano, Sally Carr, trumpeter, Christopher Roberts and drummer, Thomas Lowe.

They are all successful young musicians, educated in Scotland and recipients of prestigious prizes and awards.

They will be playing a very interesting and varied programme including music

by Boyce, Handel and Burgon.

A concert not to be missed!

Balquhidder

New Year’s Day Dance Dance to the

Stuart McKeown Ceilidh Band 9pm to 1am Tickets from Andrew and Fiona Leishman 01877 384 752 to reserve or Balquhidder Hall website £12.50 with family concessions.

Raffle, whisky curling, tea and sandwiches.

Strathyre News

Strathyre Play Park You may have read in the September issue that the Villagers along with Stirling Council would be clearing the area around the kids play park. I am delighted to report that this huge task is now well underway thanks to the combined efforts of a number of volunteers from the Village, who gave up their time, and provided the necessary equipment to help clear the area ahead of scheduled visits from the Council team.

As you can see from the photo, there has been a great deal of hard work and effort put in by all concerned and the difference is very noticeable.

A huge thank you to everyone involved, although it needs to be said, we could have done with a wee bit more involvement from some of the mums and dads given that this is for the children of the Village.

I have recently spoken to the team leader from the council and, while they were looking to try and get an early start, unfortunately they have had other issues of more importance to deal with but are still looking to start sometime in November.

They will then fell all offending trees and will chip all branches etc. with the chippings being used for ground cover in the play park and other cleared areas with any excess left.

I sent the photos to the team leader and he was delighted and congratulated everyone on their efforts.

If all goes to plan by the end of the year there will be a substantial change in what was a dark and damp area and, with the discussions I have been having with Villagers and BLS Trust, this will become a vibrant and important part of the Village.

Wullie D Watch this space!

Strathyre Community Café Friday 22nd November • 1.30pm to 3.00pm in Strathyre Primary School BOOK GIFTING / SWAP DAY Join us for a cuppa and a blether!

H

H

There will be lots of lovely refreshments, a crèche area for young children, a board game table and a soft seating area for a rest Bring your knitting, a book, a game you would like to share with either adults or with the children, have a game of chess with the children, just sit relax and catch up with friends.

Next Café will be:

Friday 13th December 2019 – Christmas Jumper Day 3

BOOK REVIEW

Lochearnhead Latest

The Man Between Charles Cumming

Loch Earn Litter Just a word on the camping areas around Loch Earn which, under the Camping Management Zone, is in place to prevent littering and anti-social behaviour in the area.

On the 30th July this year at the North Shore I took a photo of huge amounts of bags and general litter left by so-called wild campers.

What I would wish to know is, if the permit states no litter to be left, why is the Park Authority allowing the mess to be left at the roadside? I know the refuse is eventually collected but as the 30th was a Tuesday the litter had been there since the weekend - by which time the foxes and crows had ripped the bags open and litter was blowing around all over.

From what I can see, the Camping Management Plan does not seem to be working well in this area and there is not enough policing by the park wardens to uphold the rules of the permit.

I would be very interested in others’ views and comments on these matters. You can contact me at: paulw583@gmail.com ... and I will also be taking up the issues with my local MP. Paul Willis Apologies to Paul for omitting last month the “w” in his email address following his article about Wild Camping at Glenoglehead when he had also been asking for other opinions to be sent to him - Ed.

Roadside mess strikes again

Lochearnhead Village Hall • 31 December 2019

HogmanaY Dance back by popular demand

Raband The Lochearnhead Village Hall will be hosting a Hogmanay party once again on the 31st December 2019. Live band ‘Raband’ are back and guaranteed to have you on your feet (so bring your dancing shoes!).

Refreshments (bar and home-made stovies) will be available and there will be a chance for you to try your luck in the raffle.

Tickets will be on sale in the Lochearnhead village shop from Monday 4 December (£10/adult and £5/child).

But if you want to be sure of getting a ticket why not pre-reserve yours by calling 01567 830388 leaving your name, number of tickets and a contact telephone number.

As always proceeds of the event will go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the village hall facility.

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There are as many ways to enjoy reading as there are books to read.

There are the stories which are like a comfort blanket: I like to read them slowly, spinning the enjoyment out for as long as possible... the waiting for the quiet time and the anticipation of what is going to happen next in the story are as pleasurable as the moment when I pick up the book to read on. In fact, most of the books I have reviewed in this column would fit in to that category. Not this one. I could not put it down! I started reading it at the end of a holiday and I barely remember travelling home as my nose was in this book. Which airport?

What aeroplane? Really? Did it arrive on time? Well I never!

Charles Cumming is “the master of the modern spy thriller” and Ian Rankin apparently read it in one sitting. (I am in good company then!)

Our hero, Kit Carradine, a successful author, is seduced into the world of spies. He witnesses a shocking event on the streets of London (which is all too recognisable to us when we think of what is happening in the capital these days). Rattled by his own reaction to this, and at a loose end, he is persuaded to travel to Morocco. His task is to seek out Lara Bartok who has links to international terrorism and who has allegedly vanished without trace. His idea to use the experience of working in espionage as research for his next book soon turns in to a nightmare - as the competing intelligence services who are also looking for Lara close the net around him. Should he - and can he - save Lara from her fate? This is a book for everyone; it is absolutely terrific.

The

St Fillans Bit

by Bruce Montgomery

St Fillans Golf Course among Scottish Elite Wow, who says? Well, golfers across the Scottish Golf Community do! They have voted St Fillans Golf Course as one of four finalists in the category of ‘Best 9 Hole Golf Course’. These awards were instigated five years ago by Visit Scotland and Scottish Enterprise to celebrate all that is great about Scottish golf - and the winner will be announced at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards Ceremony, to be held on 31st October The relaxed atmosphere at the end of a yoga session. in the Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews.

So by the time you are reading this (aren’t a second Monday evening session to keep and mind at the end of each session.” copy closure dates a pain - but there could class numbers at twelve or less.

For now, these classes are primarily not be a publication without them) the Pamela emphasises that her classes are not aimed at beginners, but next year it might winner will have been revealed and I shall just for the “fit and flexible”. If someone, who be possible for some of these beginners be able to report the result in our December is perhaps not as young or as fit as they used to advance to intermediate level for which magazine. Meanwhile, fingers crossed! to be, approaches her and asks if they could a separate class will be run. Additionally, In addition to that, there is a further manage, she starts with a simple question. given that some attendees are asking accolade to St. Fillans Golf Club, in that “Can you get down on to the floor and get about involving the kids, 2020 might see Nutritious & Delicious (the Club caterers ) back up unaided?” If the answer is ‘yes’, she the commencement of kids’ and/or family have also been nominated in the Best Café will respond “that’s great, then don’t worry classes, but this will first require Pamela category in Perth Business Awards 2019. This as all the floor exercises will be tailored to undertake a further course to obtain award ceremony will take place in the Galileo for each individual”. Even if the answer is accreditation to teach children. If demand Suite at Perth Racecourse on November 10th. ‘no’, then she will explain that she can still is there, she would certainly be willing so Congratulations to Julie and her team, to provide a chair based yoga experience. to do. If you need any more information, whom we also wish good fortune. Wouldn’t So what does one require to take part in have a look at Pamela’s website: www. it be great if St. Fillans could record a double! her classes? The answer is, not a lot. Come buddhabodies.co.uk where you will find the September saw the introduction of a new along dressed in loose fitting clothing, such answers to many questions. It is comforting activity to St Fillans, with the beginning of as a t-shirt and jogging bottoms. Exercises to see that the website captions read “You Yoga Classes in the Sandison Hall. I met will be carried out in bare feet. Yoga mats start where you are; You use what you have; with Pamela McDowall whose idea this was, are supplied. If you become really keen, it You do what you can”, and as she says, to get an update on how it was going. Our would be normal to obtain your own mat “Namaste.” conversation however was wider ranging, and perhaps yoga socks which are non-slip. Since I last reported on the activities of the as she explained how she came to yoga and So that deals with Body, but what about Village Walking Group, they have met on where she is in her yoga journey. Until about Mind and Spirit? Through lighting and two occasions. On September 21st, a very ten years ago, her main exercise regime music , Pamela has managed to create a hot day, they met up at Lochearnhead Car had tended to involve running and gym “space” which lends itself to thought and Park from where they walked north along membership but she needed to find different contemplation, for which time is set aside the cycle track through Glenogle. This activity following an accident and she was towards the end of each session. I got this utilises the old railway track bed and crosses drawn to yoga. She explained that there quote from one of the guys who attends: “I’m the magnificent viaduct on the west side are many different types of yoga: she had new to yoga and am hoping it will help my of the Glen. Shortly after negotiating that, focussed on Hatha Yoga, which combines lower back pain. The atmosphere in the hall the group left this track, taking a secondary the three elements of Mind, Spirit and Body. is extremely calm and relaxing and enables footpath east then south, as they completed At times since, she has looked at and studied total focus on the positions and techniques. their circuit back to Lochearhead. They (to varying degrees) half a dozen other styles, Soft background music and dimmed lighting provided this lovely pic of the viaduct taken but is always drawn back to Hatha, which is create a perfect environment to relax body on their return journey. (Continued overleaf) what she is teaching in Sandison Hall. She has an accredited teaching qualification granted by the Yoga Alliance which was achieved in two parts - a Foundation Certificate (after five years) and her full Teaching Qualification obtained earlier this year following a two week residential course. The push for her full qualification was actually a result of her move to the village and requests from other villagers to learn about yoga. Since early September, classes have been running on Monday evening, and Thursday and Saturday mornings, with attendance now at 36 spread over the three different sessions of one hour each. Monday evening is currently the most popular, so much so that she is considering 5

Continued from previous page

October 5th was BBC’s Countryfile Children in Need Ramble Day. Unfortunately, it was absolutely pouring when villagers and friends started on the village’s Yellow Route towards the ruins of the old Village on the hillside above the Lochearn Sailing Club. Thirty hardy folk plus Pudsey Bear turned up despite the weather. All started and finished in good spirits, probably bolstered by the appearance of villager John Wilkie fully equipped with refreshments at the turning point (pictured right, as is a damp Pudsey Bear). Overall, the day was a huge success with donations and sponsorship totalling £358 for Children in Need have been collected via the Just Giving website.

The next walk is planned for November 23rd when the group will set out to tackle The Girron, which is the stone topped mountain directly north of the Village.

This will not be a direct assault on the peak, but will likely involve a detour into lower Glen Tarken, via the existing track and then probably via a path to one of the surge-shafts, before heading towards the top. Look out for a village information email or check the village website in due course for further information.

During October, both our hotels have run special events. On 18th October, Achray House Hotel offered a Game Tasting Night where diners were served seven courses featuring venison, pigeon, pheasant,duck, hare, cheese and finally poached pear. What a feast! Diners could also opt for a paired wine package, where each course was further lifted by a perfectly matched red or white. The dining rooms were filled with a mixture of hotel guests and villagers, and all those attending appeared to enjoy the whole experience. Various folk said that it would have been nice to talk to and congratulate Chef Filip Verheyden after the meal was over, I mentioned this to Laura as something they should consider for future. At the Four Seasons Hotel, the same night saw the commencement of their Beatles Anniversary Weekend.

As I write this, it is in full swing, as it is the actual anniversary of the Beatle’s stay in the Hotel on 19th October 1964.

I had a chat with Susan earlier today, and she advises that the hotel is busy and their special sixties menu was very enthusiastically received on its first airing last night. Activity continues through the weekend and Susan anticipates a continuation of this positive response.

Looking ahead to November, the Four Seasons Hotel will celebrate St Andrews Night with return of The Midges to entertain with more song and banter.

This will be a ticketed event where a light supper will be served, so booking will be required.

Sadly, on September 26th, St Fillans lost Katy Light after she had fought bravely 6

Countryfile Children in Need Ramble Day

for many months against illness. She was well known, well liked, an active member of the community and a talented lady in so many ways. Her memorial service on October 4th in Comrie Parish Church was attended by more than 250 people. Her husband John asked me to convey his and his family’s thanks to everyone who attended and/or sent condolences. Katy will be missed.

On a lighter note, I include this final section because of the amusing caption that came with the pic. Red Deer are regular visitors to St Fillans and I am sure other villages have similar issues, but we were pestered over the summer by a pair of young Red Deer who set up home here. One is reckoned to be in his fourth year and the other in his second or third. They were relatively fearless, and wonderful to observe until they entered your garden and did serious damage in a short space of time. When in proximity to wild animals there is always an element of danger should they be spooked. I know that one villager opened her door to be

confronted by the younger of the two eating her potted plant on her decking just outside their front door. Not sure whether she or the deer got the bigger fright! However, by late September/early October sightings declined then stopped so they have probably moved on. Anyway to get to the point. I was sent the pic below with the caption “Isn’t it amazing what Sainsbury can deliver these days!”

Keep Smiling!

Bruce

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Porpoises

Living Seas – protecting Scotland’s marine life When most people think of Scotland’s wildlife, they probably think of species such as golden eagles, red deer and red squirrels. However, the seas around Scotland are also home to some very special species. Sam Collin told the SWT Callander group of the Scottish Wildlife Trust about its efforts to protect marine habitats and species around Scotland.

As SWT’s Marine Planning Manager, Sam leads a team of four who deal with marine conservation issues. Part of its role is dealing with Marine Planning and Policy. The marine environment has many uses including fisheries, fish-farming, oil and gas extraction, renewable energy and recreation. As a result, it throws up a variety of issues for marine species and habitats. Currently 22% of Scotland’s waters are covered by protected areas, with each area benefitting a specific habitat, species or group of species. These include seabirds, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks. Notable habitats include Maerl beds (areas of seabed good for retaining carbon and good fish spawning areas), kelp beds and areas of eel grass. The work of Sam’s team helps to influence policy and the outcome of developments in order help protect these species and habitats.

A developing issue in Scotland’s seas is that of oil and gas platform decommissioning. Around 250 platforms are destined to be decommissioned in the coming years. Although some environmental groups believe rigs should be totally removed, some bases are so huge it will be impossible to remove them.

However, a growing number of people think that the underwater remnants will make excellent artificial reefs for many species so there could be unexpected benefits.

The other part of the teams’ work is Community Engagement. This involves educating and enthusing local communities about the marine environment and wildlife around Scotland’s coast. One successful project is the Marine Festival at Ullapool which includes an angling competition, wildlife marquee, sustainable seafood and the arts. In 2019 1500 people attended. Ullapool also has ‘Sea Savers’ a group which gives school children the chance to become involved in marine conservation, including beach cleans and campaigning, notably to reduce the use of single use plastic straws.

Plastic pollution is a well-known problem for the marine environment, and this featured in Sam’s talk. One innovative measure has been to provide ’Beach Clean Stations’. These are large rubbish containers with litter pickers provided so people can voluntarily do beach cleans. The stations based in Skye and Ullapool are then emptied by local landowners who are part of the project. At least 1000 kg of plastic has been gathered to date.

Maerl bed (area of seabed good for retaining carbon and good fish spawning areas), and kelp bed (inset)

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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.

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.

Please now 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 afternoon.

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

CREAMY CHICKEN CURRY I’m a big fan of curry and spicy dishes so it’s great to know that I can still indulge without piling on the pounds. ½ butternut squash (400g) peeled and deseeded 3 or 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 yellow & 1 red pepper, deseeded a handful (100g) green beans 2 tbsp medium curry or balti paste 1 medium onion peeled halved and sliced 400ml can reduced fat coconut milk 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp of cold water Serves 4 - Ready in under 30 minutes Cut the butternut squash into roughly 2cm chunks and the chicken into roughly 3cm chunks. Cut the beans in half. Put the curry paste in a large non stick saucepan.

Add the onion and squash and cook over a medium heat for 2 - 3 minutes stirring.

Pour over the coconut milk and half fill the can with cold water. Pour into the pan and bring to a simmer. Cook for a further 5 minutes stirring occasionally.

Add the chicken peppers and beans.

Return to a simmer and cook for a further 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir the cornflour into the curry sauce.

Cook for 1-2 minutes more stirring until thickened. Sprinkle with a little freshly chopped corriander if you have some and serve with rice or warm naan bread.

Rocktalk –

the Talk of the Town!

Where do you find the latest chat? How can you catch up on the local news?

An obvious place would be the newspaper, and the Stirling Observer just fits the bill for our area. But hang on, supposing you have lost your sight, or it has become so bad that newspapers just don’t work for you anymore?

This is where Rocktalk is the answer- a talking newspaper!

It was in 1983 that a group of journalists from the Stirling Observer decided to read selected articles on to audio cassettes for folks who couldn’t see, and about 20 of these were copied and distributed each week. Since then, the service has grown in numbers, in volunteers and transformed in technology.

Around 2005, the audio tapes were replaced by CDs and in 2016, these were succeeded by memory sticks. Very fast copying is now possible and well over 100 copies have been sent out each week over the years. Each recipient is given a robust player which is simple to use in their own home and receives a weekly memory stick in a re-usable padded envelope, delivered free by the Post Office. These are then returnable in the same envelope, simply by turning over the address label. Listeners can then enjoy around 80 minutes of news and reports, these days read by a team of over 20 readers, working in groups of 4 on a rota basis. Several of this number undertake to be ‘editor’ for that week and dissect 2 copies of the paper, choosing which items to include. This actually leads to an interesting selection of articles, according to the editor’s taste!

In total, there are 40 volunteers to keep this service running, technicians, copiers, admin folks, readers and editors.

And there is more! Each month a group of folks gather together interesting articles from various magazines and record about an hour of fun, fact and fiction, which goes out with each newspaper, so listeners don’t have to read it all in one week.

Rocktalk has come a long way in over 30 years and has been a real blessing to hundreds of people in that time. It is a completely free service to its users and as a charity depends on the generosity of the public. Although throughout the UK there are dozens of local talking newspapers, they can often be relatively unknown and under publicised. So… SPREAD the WORD! For more information, or if you, or anyone you know might benefit from this service, please contact us by e-mail: enquiries@ rocktalk.org.uk or call 01786 816673.

Marilyn and Steve Willett

Callander Ramblers Club

Strathyre Primary School

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: 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.

Our 2019/2020 session is now well underway. A recent ‘Welcome Lunch’ at the Roman Camp Hotel for new and returning members, followed by a talk from our local mountaineer Vicky Jack, who kept the audience spellbound, was a great success.

U3A members come together to learn, meet new people and have fun within a variety of interest groups, of which there are more than 30 on offer, from Ancient History and Art to Table Tennis, from Current Affairs to Wine Tasting. You may have knowledge or skills you wish to share with others.

U3A creates opportunities to explore and share interests and experiences while making new friends. Learn, laugh, live!

Please have a look at the Callander and West Perthshire U3A website for further details. It is not too late to join, and you would be made most welcome.

Edinburgh Book Festival!

In August, Strathyre Primary school set off on our journey to the annual Edinburgh book festival. Everyone was very excited to get new books, listen to a story or author! As we arrived and we walked into Charlotte Square gardens where the event was primarily held, we saw lots of people dressed up in spacy outfits which made the atmosphere very magical. One class went off to their first event - ‘Four Senses Orchestra’ which was about music and they all really enjoyed it. At the same time class 2 went to their first author, Adam Barron, and we made up a story based on The Three Bears and the crowd of kids all added bits into the story. Then he read one of his recent released books called Boy Under Water which some of us bought and Adam then signed. Our second show was held by two Scottish men and they were very good - they told us some of Edinburgh’s stories and acted it out and made it very funny. We all enjoyed it!

By Tabitha M.

Book Review

I am reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney.

The characters in the book are Greg, Rodrick who is Greg’s brother, his mum, dad and his little brother Manny. I like this book because all the characters remind me of my brother. I also like the jokes in the book.

Greg gets a journal and Rodrick thinks journals are for girls. Then Rodrick gets his hands on it and let’s just say things don’t end well. After that, Greg’s school go swimming and Greg was picked to do a swimming race. So, him and two other boys were ready to go and when the gun went off Greg jumped in and sank to the bottom of the pool. Greg sank because he was so scared when the gun went off, he thought the gun had bullets in it, but it was just blanks. I recommend this book for anyone who likes funny books and likes jokes.

By Jack Rennie, P7 9

Broadband Update... the digging goes on...

Facebook memories remind us that we started the physical build of the fibre network in Balquhidder just over two years ago. The delayed start in 2017, caused by obstructive and failed negotiations with Community Broadband Scotland, meant that having finally started we were almost immediately thwarted by the start of winter weather. That, however, is the nature of community projects driven by volunteers and the incremental step-by- step approach which was necessary to make any progress.

So where are we now?

Fibre has been blown up to Inverlochlarig and the houses west of Monachyle are online. Fibre is in the three properties at Stronslaney, just waiting to be spliced. Core fibre has been taken to Balquhidder Station and all but three of the houses there are ready for the next splicing session.

We also have the route sorted to reach

Ballimore and Immeroin and will start laying the tubing soon for a blowing session around the end of November/ start of December.

At the last count, 80% of our possible connections have now been completed, and while there is a fair bit of tidying up work to complete there is clear light at the end of this tunnel (unlike Brexit).

The drop-in sessions which we ran in association with the council’s digital inclusion team have been very successful, with people attending from all three villages - and positive feedback - from the attendees and from the council’s team. We are waiting for fresh dates to run further drop-in sessions.

blame game, the R100 broadband scheme has failed to meet its targets and deadline, and areas such as ours continue to suffer from internet connections that are considerably slower than the rest of the country. This is what happens when different levels of Government compete rather than cooperate for the good of their constituents. The UK Government has recently announced that £5 billion will be made available to invest in hard to reach areas like South Perthshire and Kinrossshire. This will be delivered directly to local authorities and is planned to be more rapid and accountability clearer for residents.

Since being elected, I have been working with BT, local companies, community groups and individuals to improve broadband in our area, and it is paying off. This work will remain one of my key priorities over the coming months to ensure no one in South Perthshire is left behind.

Sometimes in politics, projects are more slow-moving than I would like, and since my election I have been working on bringing key investment to our area to ensure that not all new government funding goes to the cities of Perth & Dundee. That is why I am pleased to say that in the next week I will be able to announce several exciting new facilities for South Perthshire and Kinross-shire. They will be long term investments celebrating the history and innovation of our area, as well as providing new opportunities for local people for years to come.

In that same vein of long-term work, the environment and renewable energy have long been a priority for me, before anyone had heard of Extinction Rebellion protests, I was working on new recycling and environmental facilities for our constituency. I also became the first Scottish Conservative and Unionist MP to sign the Divest Parliament pledge, which calls for parliamentary pension scheme to divest from fossil fuels, and I have been pushing for geothermal energy development in Clackmannanshire, as well as championing the UK’s position as a world leader in off-shore wind power.

The UK set the international agenda earlier this year when we became the first major economy to enshrine into law the pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050. As part of our drive to meet this ambitious target, we must address how we consume and deal with our waste. As part of the Tay Cities Deal, I secured funding for a ground-breaking £5 million recycling centre that will be built to South Perthshire, strengthening our hand in the fight against plastic waste. I hope our constituency can a be leading light in tackling climate change, showcasing the opportunities that show that we can have a sustainable, green and productive economy in the years ahead.

As always, if you have any concerns, please pop into the office at 2 Comrie Street in Crieff or email luke. grahamoffice@parliament.uk

Message from Luke The past week began with the state opening of Parliament and The Queen delivering a speech that outlined the Government’s legislative agenda for the new session, the week ended with the announcement that the Prime Minister had negotiated a new deal with the European Union. At the time of writing, Parliament had its “super Saturday” sitting which, if I’m honest, was not that super.

Watching the events at Holyrood and Westminster, I can see why people can be put off by contemporary politics, but the media misses so much of the good that is done by all levels of government.

Just two weeks ago I witnessed the bravery and public service of the MP for Canterbury, who called upon her own experience of domestic abuse to appeal to MPs across the House of Commons to get behind a new domestic abuse bill.

Meanwhile, questions to the Department of International Development, regularly highlight the incredible work of British personnel and funds, delivering lifesaving treatments and life-changing education programmes in some of the poorest parts of the world. I hope people get a chance to see the good in Parliament, as well as the challenging Brexit debate that currently engulfs the morning, afternoon and evening news.

Despite all the Brexit activity going on in Parliament, other important issues cannot be forgotten, including support for our rural communities and improving broadband. Without playing the political 10

More ramblings about

DundurnParish 25th December 1957 New Power Stations begin production saving on coal imports by Hydro-Electric Schemes Production began today, at a new power station in St. Fillans, part of the Breadalbane project. The general manager of the North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board Mr A.A.Fulton, explained to a party of journalists who visited the Breadalbane scheme in Perthshire the board are faced with a demand for electricity which is growing by 10 per cent a year. Any augmentation of output is therefore extremely welcome. This new station will add nearly 76 million units of electricity to the board’s annual output.

The Mitchell Construction Company engineers cleverly concealed the power plant underground within a 60ft high domed cavern in the hillside to the west of the Four Seasons Hotel. Several hundred tons of rock removed were offered to the roads department and used to straighten out the old meandering road along the loch side – a much welcomed improvement - and a temporary Bailey bridge was installed to carry the main road over the tail race from the power station.

A three-mile tunnel and pipe work were constructed to convey water from the newly built Lednock reservoir to St. Fillans, where it is passed to the generating station at a pressure of 830 feet. On its way to the power station the water is supplemented by water collected from the hills above the northern shore of Loch Earn. A new method of blasting, pioneered in Sweden, was used in sinking a vertical shaft through which the water passes on almost its final journey to the power station. “Sinking” is perhaps a misnomer, for what happened was that two men in a cage started at what was to be the bottom of the shaft and blasted their way upwards. From the turbine the discharge water goes straight into Loch Earn. With the loch’s natural catchment it is afterwards used in a further stage of development downstream. The outlet of the loch was dredged and deepened.

Opposite Oakbank, a weir incorporating a fish pass and pumping station was constructed, from which a tunnel 11feet 6inches in diameter and three and a half miles long leads to a further 4000-kilowatt power station at Dalchonzie, the water then goes back into the river through a short tailrace tunnel. The electricity produced at both stations is carried by 13000-volt overhead lines along Loch Earn and up Glen Ogle to join the Highland Grid system at Killin.

The Dundurn Bridge was thought

unsuitable for the building works traffic required on the south side of the loch, so it was decided that the 140 year old wooden bridge opposite the Drummond should be demolished and a temporary bridge constructed to allow access to the south side of the loch Looking around the parish today, it is almost impossible for today’s residents to comprehend the scale of disruption to village life during the building of the power station - like the arrival of the railway before it - there were mixed feelings amongst the inhabitants, regarding the benefits such a scheme would bring to the local amenities. One of the main concerns was the possibility of the board lowering the level of the loch by as much as five feet in times of drought. Donald McGillivray of the Achray - was quite definite that lowering the level exposing about 100 yards of mud and silt would put off visitors. Mary Crosthwaite - Robinhill thought they would not lower the level for fun but was concerned that the ugly line of sewage pipes would have to be extended

and suitably covered over. Catherine McNaughton – Oakbank - commented that no one who had not experienced it has any idea what this scheme has meant to us in noise and disturbance over the last four years. William Hunter - Lake Cottage - stated that the residents and others in the neighbourhood took the strongest possible objections to the levels being lowered, and to other matters relating to this scheme, ‘and in true village fashion!’ was later appointed to chair a village committee to take up these points with the appropriate authorities.

Thanks to ‘the tunnel tigers’ this remarkable feat of civil engineering, was brought in on time and on cost. More than can be said for many of today’s engineering projects. On Saturday 6th June 1958, at a ceremony in St Fillans attended by ‘the great and the good’ Lord Bilsland of Kinrara officially opened the scheme. Many locals refused an invite perhaps if they were around today, they would see that their misgivings were unfounded.

11

Loch Earn’s Community Coo! Auction ambassadors: Ali Ferguson, Kim Proven, a kilted Coo,Ollie

Have you “herd”?

Cameron and Sue Galloway. Right: Alfie shows his approval!

Two of the eleven cow shaped designer benches from Crieff Succeeds Loch Earn also gains “Moodnight recorded by artists and community folk. unique summer art trail, have mooved Meadow” by Perthshire ceramic artist LETi Chair Kim Proven said “We are to Loch Earn to join the award-winning Ceri White. The dark aubergine cowch delighted with our bid result. Not just for has mirrored tile horns with a gold fringe, our community contribution of £3450 BLISS trail, following an auction at hooves and markings. Designed to towards the £24 900 total raised Crieff Hydro on October 9th, in aid of represent the beauty of the countryside for Air Ambulance and not just to by moonlight, her new luxury paddock is enhance the BLiSS trail story but for the Air Ambulance.

Having collaborated with Loch Earn residents and community groups to fund a collective bid sum in advance, BLiSS trail innovators Loch Earn Tourism Information (LETi) were prepared on arrival at the auction dinner held in Crieff Hydro’s Melville Hall.

After failing to win MacGregor by June McEwan (fittingly won by Crieff Highland Gathering), the LETi Loch Earn bid team persevered to win not one but two cowches on budget.

“On Watch” painted by Scottish artist Chelsea Rodger, is inspired by nature and the great outdoors. The cowch’s new home outside the Lochearnhead Village Hall opposite the BLS Highland Games field is already evoking smiles and attention from residents, visitors and passers-by. Her vibrant sky blue and green body is covered with images from nature including, red squirrels, bluebells and bees, much to the delight of the resident playgroup. The wild hare painted on the front was placed to watch over the environment. The Lochearnhead Village Hall committee is already considering spring flower planting to complement the installation.

Artist Chelsea Rodger said” I hope that my passion for painting and for Scottish wildlife shines through.”

12

the grassy verge overlooking Loch Earn, opposite The Four Seasons Hotel in St Fillans.

Artist Ceri describes herself as a night owl, aware of how astonishing the landscape is by moonlight. Her humour and creative imagination fit well with BLiSS trail providing an opportunity to attract folklore and dark sky fans.

Ceri says” at night a new mysterious landscape with unknown inhabitants emerges. Who knows what the cows get up to? Their horns and hooves are bathed in moonshine and perhaps they feel a little more glamorous and alluring - ready to welcome all the creatures of the night to their meadow” Viewers may recognise some of the scenes on Moodnight Meadow, as Ceri used the distinctive topiary of Perthshire’s Drummond Castle Gardens for inspiration. Both artists are delighted that their work will be visible to the public in a naturally beautiful area with an outdoor art trail that is open all year round.

The award-winning BLISS trail aims to make people stop, smile and spend time in the area linking Loch Earn villages St Fillans and Lochearnhead with neighbours Balquhidder and Strathyre.

The BLiSS trail smartphone app www. geotourist.com/tours/2040 makes it easy to find the installations triggering stories

the collective ownership and sense of achievement by a community working together towards a common goal. It shows what can be done. A huge thank you to everyone who supported this and hats off to Crieff Succeeds for an innovative and exciting summer campaign culminating in a generous donation to a charity much valued by rural communities.”

Loch Earn auction ambassadors included LETi business members and Chair Kim Proven, BLS Highland Games President Angus Cameron, Lochearnhead Village Hall treasurer Ollie Cameron, BLS The Villagers news correspondent Ali Ferguson, members of St Fillans Golf Club and community representatives Liz and Martin Sanders, Sue Galloway, Andrew Low, Fraser Proven and Mike Calder. Kingshouse Travel owner Graeme Courtney transported the bid team to and from the auction venue. The Cowches were delivered to Loch Earn by Gus Cameron and lifted safely into position by community farm managers Alex Bowers for Lochearnhead and Robert (Bob the Dad) for St Fillans.

Perhaps it is fitting that Loch Earn community cowches, On Watch in Lochearnhead and Moodnight Meadow in St Fillans can be seen on the BLiSS trail along the old drove road, pointing the way back to Crieff.

Balquhidder Church News MUSINGS FROM THE MANSE

2019 Lochearnhead Remembrance Commemoration The Commemoration will take place at the War Memorial Cross adjacent to the village shop on Sunday 10th November, start time 10.50am. Please assemble from 10.30am to remember the Fallen from Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre, 28 WW1, 3WW2 and those wounded in action then and in conflicts since. Piping

by Roger Sharp, wreath laying by representatives of Local Authorities and Churches, or any villager who wishes to commemorate a relative or comrade.

The Service will be conducted by Lt Col (Retd) Rory Gilchrist late of the Black Watch, Major (Retd) Martin Robb late of the Royal Ghurkha Rifles, SAS and the Royal Omani Army and Malcolm White.

Here are a couple of images showing the lovely display of produce and all things autumnal for the Harvest Thanksgiving service at Balquhidder Church.

FAITH, DOUBT AND ROCK AND ROLL Recently, someone said to me “Russel, I wish I could believe in your God.” It was an honest, heartfelt and genuine expression in the midst of sadness. My response was also honest and genuine. I replied that “sometimes even I don’t believe in my God!” Of course, let me add, that statement needs careful qualification on my part in case I am handed my P45!

Doubt is not the opposite of faith, or the lack of faith, it is faith. Faith and doubt are two sides of the one coin. The reason is that none of us are dealing with certainty. Now I know that “certainty” has caused untold suffering throughout history and in our world today because of the actions of both religious and political fundamentalisms, and that is lamentable. However, for many of us certainty on most issues is beyond our grasp and that is just reality. The famous Russian writer and philosopher Dostoevsky once wrote “It is not as a child that I believe and confess Jesus Christ, my hosanna is born of a furnace of doubt.” The pathos in that statement is all too apparent; powerfully so. Scott Peck in his bestselling book A Road Less Travelled remarked at the beginning of the book that life was “difficult.” That was the first thing we needed to acknowledge and be honest about. At that time, he was, in his own life, moving from Buddhism to Christianity and that statement presumably represented the first noble truth of the former religion, that life is Dukkha (unsatisfactoriness), the acceptance of which is the first step towards understanding, wisdom and enlightenment. Years later in his follow up work Further Along The Road Less Travelled he began by saying that life is “complex” and accepting this helped us to be honest and realistic about what we faced. I concur with this and would add a third term which is that life is “messy”.

If we accept that life is difficult and complex, then we can expect our experience and attempted management of it to be somewhat problematic. Few things are straightforward. We have to play the hand we are dealt (and sometimes it’s a poor one!). Furthermore, changing the metaphor, life can throw us many curved balls along the way. How many of us wish we could have done things differently on past occasions, or said things differently in certain situations (or not said anything at all?) How many of us have changed our opinions on politics, ethics, or religion over the years? Why? Well because life is very often a learning experience and it is hard to maintain attitudes we may have had in our youth after the rich and varied experiences over the years which have helped shape our lives and informed our understanding. Change is a perfectly normal, natural and even necessary part of life.

One thing I like about the Bible is its honesty and realism. Yes, there are stories of miracles and even weird and, to modern ears, problematic material. But the heroes are flawed, the portrayal of the human condition insightful and the expressions of faith rich and varied (and that includes doubt and questioning). There was a famous cartoon character at the time of WW1 called ‘Old Alf’. In one scene, Alf, a veteran of the fighting, is depicted sheltering in a shell-hole with a rather green conscript whilst under German artillery fire. The young soldier complains about their situation and Old Alf replies “Well if you can find a better shell-hole go crawl to it.” Many of us need a ‘shell-hole’ in the ‘battle’ of life and the Christian faith is mine. Now I am a Christian by conviction. On good days I can be insufferable in my opinionated explanation and defence of this wonderful tradition and its message of Faith, Hope and Love in and through Jesus Christ. But I also have bad days because life is difficult, complex and messy and there is no certainty in these matters. That said, if you can find me a better “shell-hole”, then I’ll crawl to it….I don’t see one!!!

One of the bravest rock songs is U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. It is ruthlessly honest, tension laden and paradoxical. It clearly expresses Bono’s Christian faith but also his spiritual yearning, struggles and doubt. There are days when that is my song. Faith and doubt are the Yin and Yang of life.

Russel

13

Scottish Natural Heritage

Ranger’s Review

by Gareth Kett

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority held a series of activities for staff during Scotland’s Climate Week aimed at increasing staff and public awareness of the climate emergency and the nature crisis. Measures to address the climate emergency and the nature crisis are being incorporated into work across the organisation. Following on from the Strathyre Primary School Mini-Strike the Ranger Service spent a day with the school explaining the science behind climate change and the nature crisis and everyday actions that we can all take to address these issues.

One of the barriers to addressing the nature crisis is the shifting baseline syndrome, which dulls the perceived urgency of environmental issues amongst the general public. For example a generation of people born in rural areas in the 1950s would have grown up with small fields with hedges, fairly high numbers of deer, a relative abundance of insects, healthy populations of birds and (relatively speaking) a lot of snow in winter. This was their baseline; this was normal and they would measure future changes from here. Children born in the 1980s saw larger fields, fewer hedges, more deer, fewer insects, fewer songbirds and less snow. Yet to them this was normal - the baseline had shifted.

Children born today will see large fields, with relatively few hedges (hedges were protected from 1997), large numbers of deer, relatively few insects, relatively few birds and relatively little snow. And this will be normal to them; they will judge future changes from this new baseline. Due to the shifting baseline syndrome, unless people engage with environmental media, research or historic documentation, the overall feeling they get is that the environment is not degenerating too seriously. However if we could jump back in time to the 1950s, in doing so negating the shifting baseline 14

Larger fields, fewer hedges...

syndrome, we would be shocked by the level of change and be more compelled to appreciate the seriousness of the nature crisis. Travel back a bit further to 8000 BP and we would see a land covered in forest with rich ecosystems including species-rich rivers and lochs, regulated by a combination of natural top-down pressure (predation by wolves, bears, wolverines and lynxes influencing prey populations of bison, elk, deer, etc.), bottom-up pressure (availability of insects, and plants to feed insectivores and herbivores) and slow climatic change.

Then we would fully understand how far down the slippery slope of ecological degeneration we have come.

Let’s focus on a positive though. By 1870 only 4% of Scotland was wooded and today we only have 1% of our original forest remaining. Despite this woodland cover in Scotland increased to around 17% during the 20th and early 21st Century with targets for 21% cover set for 2032. The lack of available wood during WW1 stimulated the creation of Forestry Commission Scotland in 1919 and the subsequent planting of large swathes of sika spruce. Despite soaking up carbon and reducing flood risk, dense blankets of sitka spruce have relatively little ecological value (other than providing refuges for red squirrels, pine martens and a suite of seed-eating birds), but post80s forest design systems incorporating native trees and mixed conifers provide significant ecological and ecosystem service benefits, such as richer and more diverse habitats, enhanced landscapes, carbon sequestration and storage, clean water, mitigation of diffuse agricultural pollution, reduced flood risk, a stronger rural economy, recreation, improved public health, and timber, wood fuel and other woodland products. Strathyre Forest is a great example of a welldesigned, well-managed, comparatively attractive forest design system. Despite

timber production being its primary function it brings significant ecological and social benefits to the area and beyond.

Even better from an ecological perspective are native forest restoration projects such as the Great Trossachs Forest and native woodland blocks being put in by forward thinking estates such as Inverlochlarig, Auchlyne, Glen Ample, Auchessan, Glen Beiche and Monachyle Mhor (I apologise if I have omitted any local estates who have put in native woodland blocks – please let me know if this is the case). Landscape-scale afforestation and ecosystem restoration will hopefully increase in the near future as the National Park Biodiversity Action Plan Wild Park takes effect, helping to tackle climate change and the nature crisis in the future.

If you have anything you wish to discuss concerning wildlife gardening or any other topic, or have any wildlife sightings to report you are welcome to drop into the Lochearnhead office, contact me by email at gareth.kett@lochlomond-trossachs.org, or call me on 01389 722044. If I’m not in the office please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

WalkHighlands

The bye-law enforcement season has come to an end and we have bid farewell to our team of great Seasonal Rangers. We wish Martin, Kate, Ralph, Alan, Kiri, Josef, Andrew, Adrian and Anita the best of luck for the future.

The climate emergency and nature crisis are becoming ever more widely recognized publically and politically.

Globally round 7.6 million people participated in Climate Action Week between the 20th and 27th September (4 million went on strike on the 20th September alone, including around 50 pupils and parents in the Strathyre Primary School Mini-Strike), Scotland’s Climate Week ran from the 7th until the 11th October and there were two weeks of global civil disobedience between the 5th and 18th October as the Extinction Rebellion tried to stimulate political action to address the nature crisis.

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MHOR 84

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15

160th Anniversary of Katrine Aqueduct marked with Queen Victoria Re-enactment The 160th anniversary of the Katrine Aqueduct, one of Scotland’s most important pieces of infrastructure, was marked today with a special reenactment of its official inauguration

by Queen Victoria.

Actors donned Victorian attire and a modern-day lookalike ‘Queen Victoria’ followed in the footsteps of the monarch and repeated her words close to the very spot, on the south shore of picturesque Loch Katrine, where she opened the mega-structure on October 14, 1859.

The aqueduct, which takes water from the loch to treatment works that supply 1.3 million people in Glasgow and west central Scotland and is a key part of Scottish Water’s network, was built in the Victorian era to help transform the health of citizens and it continues in full use to this day.

Its importance to Scotland, and its stature as one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering of its day, were celebrated when the modern-day ‘Queen Victoria’ stood above the entrance to the aqueduct near Stronachlachar where thousands of people, dignitaries and workers who had built the aqueduct gathered to watch history be made in 1859.

An actress playing the part of Queen Victoria helped recreate the historic scene by repeating the words of Her Royal Highness when she told her audience: “It is with much gratification 16

that I avail myself of this opportunity of inaugurating a work which, both in its conception and its execution, reflects so much credit on its promoters, and is so calculated to improve the health and comfort of your vast population, which is rapidly increasing round the great centre of manufacturing industry in Scotland.

“Such work is worthy of the enterprise and philanthropy of Glasgow and I trust it will be blessed with complete success. I desire that you convey to the great community which you represent my warmest wishes for their continued prosperity and happiness.”

The commemoration of the official opening today included three special public sailings of the vessels the SS Sir Walter Scott and the Lady of the Lake by the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Ltd from Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar.

The steamship SS Sir Walter Scott, which has been sailing on the loch for more than a century, was named after the writer who set his 1810 poem Lady of the Lake and his 1818 novel Rob Roy, around Loch Katrine.

During the sailings, the actors portraying Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and members of the Forest Theatre Company from Gartmore dressed in period costume, gave interactive performances and told passengers about the history and heritage of the area and the aqueduct.

Billy Petrie DL OBE, Chair, Sir Walter Scott Steamship Trust, said: “We are delighted to be hosting these special sailings, and the re-enactment with ‘Queen Victoria’ at the Katrine Aqueduct, to commemorate such a hugely important occasion in the history of Glasgow.

“Apart from being a very beautiful loch in the heart of the Trossachs and the birthplace of tourism in Scotland thanks to Sir Walter Scott’s blockbuster of its day, the Lady of the Lake, Loch Katrine and the aqueduct play a central role in the everyday life of the Glasgow area.

“So it’s only right that we pay tribute to the talented engineers of the Victorian age whose work enabled clean water to flow from loch to city.

“The special sailings we’ve put on today, with the actors providing a bit of colour and fun, is a fitting and entertaining way to pay tribute to just what a remarkable feat the construction of the aqueduct was.”

Gary Caig Scottish Water’s water operations manager west, said: “The Katrine Aqueduct was fit for a queen then and is still now and remains a hugely important part of our infrastructure, so we are really excited to be involved in this celebration of its formal opening.

“The aqueduct has certainly, in Queen Victoria’s words, ‘improved the health and comfort of the city’s vast population’ and continues to do so to this day.

“And, with climate change and sustainability being so important in the 21st century, it is still as efficient and environmentally-friendly now as it was then because it takes water by gravity – without the need for pumping - from Loch Katrine to the Milngavie and Balmore water treatment works before it is distributed to customers across a large swathe of Greater Glasgow and west central Scotland.”

The Katrine Aqueduct comprises two aqueducts that are 25.75 miles and 23.50 miles in length from the loch to Milngavie north of Glasgow, which together can provide about 120 million gallons of water every day.

The first was built to give Glasgow a proper water supply and tackle cholera and includes tunnels through mountainous terrain in the shadow of Ben Lomond and bridges over river valleys. The second was constructed to accommodate the rapid expansion of Glasgow, the ‘second city of the Empire’, in the late 19th century.

The entire Katrine Aqueduct scheme cost £3.2m to build, which would be about £320m in today’s prices.

It currently supplies about 110 million gallons of water per day to the two water treatment works and it takes the water about 14 hours to travel along the aqueduct from Loch Katrine to the water treatment works.

A forgotten treasure trove of Victorian photographs showing the construction of parts of the aqueduct was discovered recently.

The glass photograph slides, which had not been seen before by Scottish Water experts with decades of experience of working on the local network, were found along with some books and drawings when the utility was closing one of its offices.

Scottish Water is working on a £15.7m million project to refurbish part of the overall aqueduct scheme at the moment.

The project includes structural repairs of three stretches of tunnel and a bridge, improvements to the lining of tunnels and repairs and refurbishments of control valves.

Available for parties, weddings, bar mitzvahs...

A small but willing contingent of Choir Occasional turned out to help swell the singing at the October wedding of Linda McLaren at Balquhidder Church.

It’s all good practice for our forthcoming concert! (see page 2) 17

McLaren High School

Andrew McLay – Andrew Dunhill Links tournament Andrew Mclay, an S4 pupil at McLaren High School has won the handicap competition for S4s to S6s during the Alfred Dunhill Links tournament at St Andrews on Sunday 23 October. Andrew finished the tournament with an amazing score of Net 64, securing his place on the top spot. The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is one of the most exciting golf events in the world, and something that Andrew will never forget being part of.

Andrew pictured above on the right, is congratulated by one of the competition organisers.

Artist Alec Finlay’s ‘Day of Access’ Alec Finlay, a Scottish artist based in Edinburgh has partnered with the ‘Travelling Gallery’ in an attempt to raise accessibility to art for those who are affected by disability.

Finlay’s project is acting as a campaign to present information and artworks, whilst providing space for open discussion all around Scotland.

The bus contains art from multiple Scottish artists, most of which contain themes surrounding disability. Finlay who is disabled himself, has a strong belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience wild nature and hopes that his ‘Day of Access’ will help bring this opportunity to those who would usually find this physically and emotionally demanding.

As part of the tour the bus made a stop at McLaren High School in Callander. Ms Wylie, teacher of art stated that this was an excellent opportunity for pupils to view art that they would otherwise never be able to access. Ms Wylie added that “The pupils were encouraged to think about how people with disabilities could 18

Fiona Duff and Catriona Anderson at the SAME Conference Fiona and Catriona performed at the Scottish Association for Music conference, which is a professional body that represents all those involved within music education. Their performance was in opening for Nicola Benedetti.

Nicola Benedetti, an award winning Scottish Violinist who at the age of 16 won the ‘BBC Young Musician of the Year’.

Pictured above, from left to right: Nicola Benedetti, Catriona Anderson, Flora Duff, and tutor Miss Rosie .

This was an amazing opportunity for both girls and they had no idea they would be opening for Nicola Benedetti, a performer that they both admire.

access the outdoors and why this might be important.”

Alec Finlay’s vision has made positive impressions on the pupils at McLaren High School. In allowing them to access art that has promoted positive thinking towards the challenges faced with disability, he is encouraging pupils to see the wider picture, break down stigmas and boost forward thinking.

McLaren High Bake Sale for Macmillan - Friday 27 September On Friday 27 September McLaren High School held its annual coffee morning and bake sale for Macmillan cancer support. The pupils helped organise and sell home baking during their morning break, raising a total of £729. We would like to thank everyone involved and everyone who baked and bought for this great cause.

Eral Maddox, Scottish Schools Snowsports Association On 25 September, S1 pupil Eral Maddox represented McLaren High School at the ‘Scottish Schools Snow Sports Indoor Slopestyle’ Championships held at ‘Snowfactor’ in Braehead, Glasgow; finishing 8th in his age group.

Scottish Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) training course On Tuesday 24 and Monday 30 September, three S6 pupils from each school in the Stirling Council district attended Scottish Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) training course at Wallace High School and Queen Victoria in Dunblane. The Intensive 2-day course has provided pupils with a strong understanding of mental health awareness and a clear knowledge on practical use of Scottish Mental Health First Aid. Pictured above, left to right are: Nathan Campbell-Gregson, James Douglas and Liam Rennie who attended the SMHFA. Now that the pupils are certified mental health first aiders, they possess the knowledge and understanding of how to approach a person in distress, how to help support someone in crisis and how to guide them to relevant professional help.

Active Girls: Mazzy Walker, Catriona Anderson and Ella Gibbons.

Active Girls Day On Friday 4 October an ‘Active Girls Day’ took place at McLaren High School.

The event contained various activities throughout the day, and was held to bring awareness on how woman can be represented in the media, with the theme of the day being ‘Rewrite the Headlines’.

Pupils were tasked to rewrite certain articles, and imagine what they would like to see for women in sport in the future.

Visit our website: www.mclarenhigh.co.uk

Forth Valley Disability Swimming Gala On Friday 27 September Mclaren High School was represented by 5 pupils in the ‘Forth Valley Disability Sport Schools Swimming Championships’. All girls received awards in different events, with Niamh Mieklejohn winning two gold medals in the 50m breast stroke and 25m freestyle events.

Pictured above, left to right are winners Sophie Dryden, Sarah Ullrich, Niamh Mieklejohn, Kirsten Stewart and Iona Murdoch.

Auschwitz Trip 2019 This month two pupils from McLaren High School, Eloise Murray and Archie Farquharson, travelled to Poland as part of an excursion to visit Auschwitz.

This was in partnership with the ‘Holocaust Educational Trust’ who work alongside schools and colleges in order to educate about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance.

“Every experience of Auschwitz is not the same. This is a statement that was true during the time of the Holocaust and to this day, with our own interpretations. We experienced it through the Lessons from Auschwitz organisation as Education; we were taught how many others viewed it, from Soviet Prisoners, Jews and Romani travellers to the SS members themselves.

Our personal journey started on a very early morning, with a fairly modern plane and comfortable bus journey - and finished with a very late return home. This felt so removed from what happened within Auschwitz One and Auschwitz Two, Birkenau. For those who haven’t been - what needs to be understood is that the millions who died went there with the expectation they were going to live their lives there – it was to be a home.

There isn’t anything that can prepare you for the amount of belongings you walk past that was removed from them. However, it was not just material belongings; we are shown the hair that was removed from women and used to aid the Germans during the war. They lost parts of themselves - for many this is the only part that remains. The striking matter of Birkenau is what cannot be grasped until it is seen: the sheer size of the camp, the size of the uncompleted camp that was expected to be expanded further.

The trip supplies an experience that is so different from any other, we were shown the exact location of genocide and it was walking through the makeshift “blocks” of pre-fab stables for holding Jews and the original crematorium that we were reminded that injustice cannot be allowed to survive ever again, that as humankind we failed once, it’s unbelievable that we allow anything similar to continue.”

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Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Community Council Minutes of a meeting held at Strathyre Village Hall, 0n 9th October 2019

Please note that these minutes have not yet received formal approval and should be considered as a draft version only.

Present: David Johnston (DJ), Andrew Poulter (AP), Ruth McLusky (RM), Jeanette Stewart (JS), William Dalziel (WD), Eunice Frame (EF).

Apologies: Donald McLaren (DM), Angus Cameron (AC), Billy Ronald (BR), National Park.

In attendance: Cllr Jeremy McDonald (JM), Michelle Flynn (MF), Stirling Council; PC Will Diamond (PCWD), Police Scotland; Paul Hicks (PH), minute-taker; one local resident.

1) Approval of Minutes It was proposed by RM and seconded by AP, that the minutes of the meeting on 28th August 2019 should be accepted and this was approved unanimously.

2) Declarations of Interest No declarations were made.

3) Police report (15 Jul to 4 Oct 2019) In terms of anti-social behaviour: on 20th July, a male was found at South Loch Earn in possession of an unlicensed air rifle. He has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for offences disclosed.

On 2nd September, an incident occurred at an address in Strathyre. A dog was on the loose and entered a garden where it killed two hens.

The dog was deemed to be dangerously out of control. On 22nd September, a male was checked on South Loch Earn Road where he was chopping branches off a live tree. The male was charged and has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

In terms of road safety: on 20th July, a motorist was checked driving at 50mph within the 30mph zone on the A84 at Lochearnhead. A report has been submiteed to the Procurator Fiscal. On 24th August, an incident occurred on the A85 between Lochearnhead and St Fillans, when a van overtook a number of vehicles in a dangerous manner. Enquiries are still ongoing to trace the driver of the vehicle, but it is anticipated that a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in the near future.

On 30th August, a collision occurred on the A85 near to Lochearnhead at Glen Ogle. The male driver refused to provide a specimen of breath at the roadside and was subsequently arrested. Whilst carrying out the procedures at the police station, he again refused to comply and was held in custody to appear at court.

In terms of theft: on 16th July, between 18:30 and 22:30hrs, a ladies mountain bike was stolen from within a garden at Main Street, Strathyre. On 4th August, a mobile phone was stolen from within a tent on the north shore of Loch Earn, off the A85.

In terms of community reassurance: on 20th July, PCWD was present with a colleague at the Lochearnhead Highland Games. The event was well attended and there were no issues to report. On 31st July, PCWD attended a one day \u201Cdomestic abuse matters\u201D course. All officers are required to attend such a course in order to comply with new legislation with regard to domestic abuse.

On 7th August, along with a colleague, PCWD policed the Killin Highland Games, again with no incidents to report. On 10th August, PCWD participated in the Stirling Police Office \u201Copen day\u201D. This was the first event to be held in Forth Valley and it was

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well attended. The day afforded the public the opportunity to meet officers, view vehicles and equipment, as well as meeting officers from specialist departments. There were police dogs, horses and boats to name but a few. PCWD’s r\u00F4le was to highlight the work of mountain rescue within Forth Valley.

During this reporting period PCWD was on annual leave for three weeks. The report was concluded with a breakdown of calls to the police during this period.

4) Planning Permission, Strathyre The resident of Maple Lodge, Strathyre, spoke to the meeting, asking for advice about a planning issue after recently buying the property with a derelict structure (the former IT centre) on the land. Initially, the owner had wanted to refurbish the structure, but it proved too dilapidated to make this viable.

An application for permission to demolish it was made to the National Park Planning Authority. Eventually, the owner was advised that no planning permission was required and the structure was removed. The owner then wanted to \u201Cerect\u201D a shepherd’s hut in its place. Although the hut is in the nature of a caravan and sits on wheels, the owner was advised that planning permission was required. The owner had tried contacting the planning department for further help but had been unable to get any response, other than some unhelpful and impractical suggestions. JM suggested that letters of support from neighbours would be helpful. It was also agreed that DJ would contact BR and ask him to contact the resident with a view to providing further advice on this matter.

Action: DJ to request help from BR (National Park) 5) Matters arising from previous meeting 4a) Strathyre School turning and setting down area. MF reported that there is now an area for the school bus to turn. WD expressed thanks on behalf of a local resident for the action that had been taken.

4b) Electric Charging Points, Strathyre. Ken Higgins, director of Smart Village Scotland, had written to inform members that two eCar charging pods have now been installed in the Village Shop car park area at Strathyre, as planned. It appeared that only one side on each was actually live and Mr Higgins queried whether this was intended. He had also been asked whether only two or four points would be available in future and about how payment would be made for using the pods. These questions were referred to Stirling Council and the following response was received. When chargers are first installed, there is further work required from Scottish and Southern Electricity and EDF Energy to get them up and running. This had now been completed, making all four bays fully functional. The units are free to use at the moment. Drivers are required to register with Chargeplace Scotland and purchase a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card for \u00A320. This will enable them to activate a charger. In future, most local authorities will begin to charge a tariff for the amount of electricity a driver uses. However, this rate has still to be set

by Stirling Council. When it is implemented, signs advising of the rates will be displayed

at the chargers. Any issues with chargers will be handled by Chargeplace Scotland through a helpline. If anyone has any problems trying to use the chargers, contact details for the helpline will be available on the charger itself.

4c) Strathyre Recreation Ground Maintenance. WD reported that Stirling Council has done a good job in tidying up the vegetation and the area now looks much better.

4d) 4G Telephone Mast, Strathyre. There is nothing new to report and the matter is ongoing.

4e) Light between Balvaig Bridge and A84, Strathyre. JM mentioned that he had spoken to the Roads Department at Stirling Council and Transport Scotland. It should be possible for Stirling Council to use an electricity supply from the existing structure owned by Transport Scotland. JM will pursue this with the Roads Department. Action: JM to pursue with Stirling Council Roads Department.

4f) Update on Core Path at Strathyre. Dave Robinson, Recreation and Access Adviser for Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, has indicated that, in terms of land ownership, Forest and Land Scotland (formerly the Forestry Commission) owns the section between the two footbridges to the south of Old Station Court. The owner of the land from there southwards to Keip Road is not known.

Mr Robinson has asked the Stirling Council Community Payback Team if they can strim sections of the path on either side of Old Station Court and they have agreed to do this.

He had asked whether a job like this could be put in the diary for each year, but that is not how they operate. He suggested that an email would need to be sent as things start growing again, perhaps towards the end of June next year. Stirling Council has acknowledged that the path sits within land owned by the Council that is within the Housing Revenue Account and is, therefore, the responsibility of the Housing Service. Land Services do not have this path on any current maintenance programme, but have agreed to cut back the vegetation on this occasion.

4g) Update on recent events in Strathyre.

WD referred to a problem with run-off water from the school over-flowing and affecting at least two near-by houses. It has been reported on numerous occasions but without any response as yet. JM undertook to contact the appropriate people to expedite matters.

Secondly, WD wanted to express thanks on behalf of the community for the support given

by Stirling Council at the childrens’ play park.

Action: JM to arrange for remedial action to be taken by Stirling Council.

4h) Update on parking in Callander. Cllr Martin Earl has written to inform members that the parking management consultation will not start in Callander until February next year. He has sent an email to the officers conducting these consultations with the suggestion that the views of surrounding community councils should be sought as well.

The chair of the Community Partnership of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park also wrote to Stirling Council in support of involving other community councils in this consultation. His letter was acknowledged

and an undertaking has been given to involve surrounding community councils.

4i) Heart 200. A meeting was held on 6th September 2019 with the Heart 200 directors, Robbie Cairns and Gordon Riddler. Jenny Penfold (from Fearnan) made a summary of all the points raised and suggestions put forward and this has been circulated to all members.

These matters were acknowledged and taken on board by the directors.

4j) Co-opted member. WD had spoken to someone who is interested in joining the community council. MF reminded members that posts must be advertised in the interests of fairness to everyone. WD will speak again to the person concerned. Action: WD to speak again with interested party.

4k) Lochearnhead Sailing Club. With reference to item 5a of the minutes of 17th July 2019, DJ wished to make it clear that the sailing club at Lochearnhead had not applied for any licence at any location in Lochearnhead.

6) Calair Bridge 6a) With reference to item 11b of the minutes from 5th June 2019, work had been scheduled to repair the Calair Bridge at Balquhidder.

However, the date has had to be re-scheduled for next year, between May and September.

This is because the bridge, as a listed structure, requires lime mortar to be used in the repairs and the higher summer temperatures are essential to ensure its proper “curing”.

6b) With reference to item 4c of the minutes from 17th July 2019, the position of a new weight limit sign in Strathyre has been reviewed during a site visit by an engineer from Stirling Council and it appears that a signpost extension is required. Once this has been sourced, it will be possible to relocate the blue information sign above the weight restriction sign and have it pointing the correct way.

7) Letter writing on behalf of Community Council.

Members had a full discussion on the code of conduct in relation to letter writing and agreed to abide by its provisions.

8) The Community Council “Conversation”.

On 25th September 2019, Stirling Council held an event at Strathyre Primary School to talk about the work that community councils do and the forthcoming process for budgetary planning. (See also item 15 below.)

9) Digital Inclusion (4 Sep 2019 and 2 Oct 2019). DJ expresssed thanks to all those who had publicised these events. The second event was well attended and useful. On the first occasion, only one person turned up but the team was able to assist in getting this person online for the first time.

10) Timber Transport from Muirlaggan Forest, Balquhidder. This operation had now begun. There will be a stakeholder’s meeting on 19th November at Balquhidder Village Hall which will enable all the information for various sites to be correlated. The whole process is going to take between twenty and twenty-five years. The Timber Transport plan covers when and where lorries will operate and this will also be discussed. When the information has been gathered, a public meeting will be held to put various options to the local community for a decision to be made on what options would be preferable. There is also some money available for making good the roads affected.

11) Flooding in Strathyre.

Detailed information on the minor flooding event

in Strathyre on 31st August 2019 has been circulated to all members by Kenny Higgins of the Strathyre Emergency Response Team.

12) Correspondence 12a) Road works on A84 trunk road. BEAR Scotland, acting on behalf of Transport Scotland, is planning to carry out essential carriageway maintenance works on the A84 trunk road, north of Callander at Kilmahog.

These works are due to take place between Sunday 3rd and Friday 8th November 2019 under a night-time closure. The work will be carried out each night between the hours of 7pm and 7am. No work will be undertaken on Friday or Saturday night. Local residents are concerned that this closure will be taking place too early and will cause unwarranted problems for our residents. DJ has written to BEAR Scotland to query whether the time of the closure can be dropped back to 9pm.

12b) Remembrance Service, Lochearnhead.

This will take place on Sunday 10th November at the war memorial in Lochearnhead, at the junction of the A84 and A85 trunk roads. Those attending should gather at the memorial for 10:45 a.m. The event will last about half an hour.

13) Planning matters 13a) 2019/0236/HAE - erection of a single storey extension to Springfield House, Balquhidder.

13b) 2019/0015/PPP - erection of a dwellinghouse, Bealach, at Balquhidder.

13c) 2018/0310/DET \u2013 erection of three timber chalets for holiday use at Lochearnhead.

13d) 2019/0258/DET - Demolition of a chalet and outbuilding and erection of an extension to an existing dwelling-house to form two holiday lets; erection of a dwelling-house and erection of two detached houses (for holiday use) at Stroneslaney Cottage, Stroneslaney Road, Strathyre.

13e) 2019/0249/DET - Erection of a dwellinghouse at Plot 2, Keip Road, Strathyre.

13f ) 2019/0178/DET - erection of a telecoms mast at Cnoc An Uinnseinn, Keip Road, Strathyre.

13g) 2019/0148/DET \u2013 erection of twelve timber lodges, a maintenance building and a tree-house with associated parking and access; the formation of four passing places and two parking areas at Strathyre Forest Cabins, Stank Road, Callander.

13h) 2019/0145/DET - erection of a mast (for use with smart meters) at a roadside verge, north of Creagan Cottages, A84.

The community council had not been consulted regarding any of these matters and there were no points of wider public concern to raise.

14) Matters from ward councillors and the National Park 14a) Stirling Council has approved a policy that all \u201CA\u201D roads will be gritted henceforth.

14b) With regard to the public concern about climate change, Stirling Council has been looking at things it can do to assist.

15) Stirling Council Budget, 2020-2021 \ u2013 public engagement Stirling Council has developed a new digital tool to enhance public engagement with the ongoing journey to set the budget for 2020-2021. More information is available on the Stirling Council website at “www.stirling.gov.uk/budget2020”, including a “how to” guide. The “Simulator” can be accessed at “www.stirling.budgetsimulator.com”.

16) Any other competent business 16a) Bank account. EF reported on the continuing attempt to assign three new signatories to the cheque account. She had made three attempts to resolve this problem and the relevant paperwork had now been re-submitted. EF was hopeful that the matter could be resolved within the following week.

EF then provided up-to-date figures for the community council finances. Invoices were still expected for minute-taking and the production of the website.

16b) Core Path, Lochearnhead. JS reported that this question is ongoing and no decision has yet been taken on its final course.

There was no further business and, at 9:25 p.m., DJ declared the meeting to be closed. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 20th November 2019 at Strathyre Primary School.

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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

22

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

Want to advertise with us?

Contact Andrew Poulter Advertising Manager Coire A Chroine Balquhidder FK19 8PB

01877 384784 apoulter72@gmail.com

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

23

The Villagers’ Contacts Jill Johnston Editor Gardeners Cottage Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384227

Gill Waugh Production Manager Stronvar Farm Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384203

David Johnston Production Gardeners Cottage Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384227

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

contact@the-villagers.org.uk

gill@mercatdesign.com

contact@the-villagers.org.uk

apoulter72@gmail.com

Copy Deadline Day is the 21st of the month. Send your contributions to:

contact@the-villagers.org.uk

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

Other Contacts...

Lochearnhead Contact:

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

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

Andrea Poulter 01877 384784

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

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

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

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

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

Country Dancing - St Fillans Yoga - Balquhidder Hall - 11.00am to 12noon (contact Ann Cobbett 01877 376291) Darts League - The White Stag, Strathyre - 7.00pm 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)

N OV E M B E R

8

Flu Clinic, Callander Surgery - see page 8

10

Lochearnhead Remembrance Commemoration - 10.30am - see page 13

17

Concert, St Mary’s, Aberfoyle - see page 2

22

Strathyre Community Café - see page 3

26

Balquhidder Village Hall AGM - see page 2

29

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

DECEMBER

8

Strathyre Christmas Market - 1pm-6pm - see page 3

31

Strathyre Hogmanay Party, Village Hall - see page 3

31

Lochearnhead Hogmanay Dance, Village Hall - see page 4

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