Heartland Buzz March 2015 by The Heartland Buzz

MARCH 2015 ISSUE NO.1

GO RURAL SCOTLAND’S LEADING

INITIATIVE TO HELP GROW AGRITOURISM

YOUR

FREE

MONT MAGA HLY ZINE

COACH HOUSE

FLOWERS AWARD WINNING WEDDING & EVENT FLORIST

CHANGING TIMES FOR SCOTTISH FARMERS RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Our First Issue Features Thyme at Errichel Restaurant

GLEN LYON COFFEE ROASTERS

Perthshire’s Very Own Artisan Coffee Roastery

PERTHSHIRE GUNDOG RESCUE Rescuing Gundog Breeds

THE SCOTTISH WOODLAND SKILLS CENTRE

SOMETHING’S

BREWING! STRATHTAY’S VERY OWN

BBC ONE SHOW

BREW-OFF WINNER

Fine Art Photography from Rosie Nixon. Simply Stunning Art from Daughter Of The Stag. The Heartland Buzz

Welcome to our first edition of The Heartland Buzz Highland Perthshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hive Of Activity All In One Place! Join the Buzz!

Our magazine reach

The Heartland Buzz is your FREE com-

Our current reach is Pitlochry, Aberfeldy,

munity news, events & advertising mag-

Moulin, Weem, Kenmore, Grandtully,

azine for Highland Perthshire.

Strathtay,

We offer a completely FREE full colour

burn, Fearnan, Fortingall, Dull, Kinloch

A4 magazine that brings the community and businesses of Highland Perthshire together. The Heartland Buzz is produced on a monthly basis with a print run of 6,000, a reach of over 20,000 people and is FREE to businesses and homes. We are a magazine for the community run by the community. If you are looking to advertise or if you want to be part of the Buzz in any way then get in touch today!

Logierait,

Ballinluig,

Blair

Atholl, Calvine, Struan, Acharn, KeltneyRannoch, Dunkeld and Birnam & all the little stops in-between.

LOOKING FOR OUR RATE CARD? Our rate card can be found at the back of this magazine. Alternatively you can visit

www.heartlandbuzz.co.uk

Over the coming months we are looking to expand our reach and The Heartland Buzz will be delivered as far as Crieff. Our print run will be increased to 10,000 per month. The Heartland Buzz is your one-stop news and advertising platform for the whole of the Heartland.

Want to talk? If you are looking for further information, or need any assistance, you can contact us during office hours Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm. Alternatively you can email us anytime or visit our website.

01887 840736

M 07414 242 447

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E hello@heartlandbuzz.co.uk

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We are going green. All our paper is sourced from well-managed forests. When you are finished with any printed material from us, help us keep our planet green and please recycle. 2

The Heartland Buzz

Here is what you can find in this month’s issue...

From the Editor Welcome to our first issue of The Heartland Buzz! This magazine is the crea-

tion of a Graphic & Web Designer who

06 Malcolm Appleby

felt that Highland Perthshire was lack-

Lifetime Achievement Award

Malcolm Appleby MBE, who has been engraving for over 50 years, receives Lifetime Achievement Award.

ing a good quality magazine that would give the community something to shout about, and, in turn, we would shout about the community.

Thank you so much for all the support

18 Go Rural Fresh air, fun, farming,

and kind words over the past few months

freedom, accommodation and good

whilst we have been working away to

food. Experience Scottish Agritourism

meet our own deadlines. The response

at its best!

to the magazine has been unbelievable

22 Green Highland Renewables

One of Scotland’s leading hydro developers has its roots firmly set in Highland Perthshire.

and we are so grateful to everyone who is part our first issue. The fact that so many

people have contributed and advertised, without even seeing a physical copy, has blown us away and we are truly grateful.

Without the continuing support of the

24 Recipe Of The Month

community, The Heartland Buzz maga-

For our first issue our recipe of the month

zine will not be possible. If you can con-

comes from Thyme at Errichel Restaurant,

tinue supporting us, we will continue do-

Errichel Farm on the slopes of Aberfeldy.

ing our best to shout about you and your businesses. We will keep you informed

32 Changing Times For Scottish Farmers!

with all the latest news and events and

and the changes that are taking place.

finest talent. This is your magazine and

A look at the past and future of Scottish Farming

we will showcase some of Perthshire’s how it is shaped is in your hands, we want you to be as much a part of it as we are in creating the magazine.

34 Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters

A look into Perthshire’s very own artisan coffee roastery based in Aberfeldy.

10 Rosie Nixon Fine Art Photography

27 Something’s Brewing!

37 Perthshire Gundog Rescue

We talk with Rosie, a talented Fine Art

The Heartland Buzz meets Ewan

A question and answer article from

Photographer based in Perthshire and

Watson, Strathtay’s very own BBC One

Carol Begg, the owner of Perthshire

take a tour around her wonderful world.

Show Brew-off competition winner.

Gundog Rescue.

The Heartland Buzz

GET YOUR PHOTO ON THE COVER OF OUR NEXT ISSUE! Send us your best Perthshire photographs to hello@

It has already been a fantastic experience

heartlandbuzz.co.uk and you could make the cover!

for us and we have had the opportunity to discover and meet a wide variety of

businesses, talented professionals and creative groups in the area. It is amaz-

40 John Muir Trust

ing what Perthshire has to offer. Even

The Wild Space visitor centre has grown

more unbelievable is that a lot of these

from its opening, less than two years ago,

businesses are relatively undiscovered

into a major tourist hub in Perthshire.

among the wider community. We are

here to give these businesses and individuals the voice they deserve.

42 Honest Thistle

Contemporary gifts, homewares, accessories and

This first issue is the start of big things for

stationery shop based in Pitlochry.

us. The Heartland Buzz will be a magazine that will grow in size, quality and

reach. We will soon be looking to expand

51 Winterwatch Highland Safari Diary

as far as Crieff and Comrie and there are

A look back at the winter wildlife over the

so many other ideas we have brewing, al-

past few months, by Donald Riddell.

though we will keep them under wraps

for now, until the time is right! If you have

55 Scottish Quads

any feedback we would love to hear from you.

Perthshire’s most centrally located quad biking centre. With a fleet of over 50 quad

The Heartland Buzz is YOUR magazine

bikes.

and will ultimately be shaped by the

community. The wheels of something

58 Birnam Autopoint

very special are in motion, where it ends up is entirely up to you.

“The” name to choose when looking for a 4x4 in Highland Perthshire.

Thank you and enjoy the magazine! Colin

NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE 17TH APRIL

60 Noa Womenswear & Square Feet

A small independent boutique & shoe shop offering something very different from the high street!

46 Daughter Of The Stag

52 Scottish Woodland Skills Centre

56 Coach House Flowers

Amazingly talented, Perthshire born

A social enterprise organisation based

Talking flowers with the owner of Coach

artist, Beverley Nicol searches for true

a few miles North West of Alyth, Perth-

House Flowers, Emma Harvey.

happiness and finds it in creativity.

shire, in an idyllic rural setting.

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Perthshire Engraver Given Lifetime Achievement Award. The internationally acclaimed Grandtully based engraver Malcolm Appleby MBE was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award On Saturday 24th January by the Lord Major of Birmingham. The ‘Training The Trainers’ event in Birmingham, was at-

Throughout the event, The Hand Engravers Association high-

tended by a glittering line up of the UK’s most talented sil-

lighted the importance of recognising and promoting the

versmiths and engravers.

highest level of skill, craftsmanship and design used with hand

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Shafique Shah attended and awarded The Hand Engravers Association Lifetime Achievement Award to Appleby who has been en-

engraving both now and in to the future. Celebrating the extraordinary quality of work in the United Kingdom and also ensuring that it is recognised internationally.

graving for over 50 years. The award was in acknowledge-

Chris Rowley of the Hand Engravers Association said: ”The art

ment for the legendary silversmith’s unique contribution to

of hand engraving is at a pivotal point in its history. Practition-

the Art of Hand Engraving, extraordinary skill, originality

ers of this skill are busier than ever. However with over 40%

and craftsmanship and the generosity in passing on skills

reaching retirement age, there is a need to find practical ways

with such openheartedness to so many. Appleby, who was

to pass on these skills, maintain diversity and enable the next

awarded an MBE for his services to hand engraving and

generation of hand engravers to provide a much sought after

heritage crafts in 2014, is recognised as one of the finest

technique.”

engravers and silversmiths in the world.

The event celebrating the art of Hand Engraving was held at

On receiving his award, Appleby said: ”It was a lovely gath-

The Drop Forge in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter

ering of professional engravers from all fields of the skill

and was hosted by The Hand Engravers Association (HEA) and

and art and a humbling honour to be presented the lifetime

jointly supported by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.

achievement. All things said, however, it is not an obituary; I have no intention of stopping!”

Hand Engraving Symposium 6th, 7th, 8th August 2015 Edinburgh & Grandtully

For more information contact Karin Paynter on info@karinpaynter.com Tel: 07939 236508 www.handengravers.co.uk 6

The Heartland Buzz

“

Malcolm Appleby works

in a fluid and expressive way with metal. A prodigious range of objects flows from his rural Scottish studio – from small silver buttons to major Museum commissions. Constant experimentation adds an element of the adventurer to his work as he moves freely between exquisitely detailed engraving to bold cutting and hammering of metal sheet. Images are often many layered; forms are tactile, organic and inventive.” Amanda Game, ‘Raising the Bar - Influential Voices in Metal’ Exhibition and publication.

Selected Commissions 1969 Engraves orb for Prince of Wales coronet (collaboration with Louis Osman for Goldsmiths’ Company) 1970-1977 Works on Chess Set (Collingwood of Conduit Street) 1978 Cup to commemorate 500th anniversary of the London Assay Office (for Goldsmiths’ Company) 1985 Seal for Board of Trustees (V&A Museum) 1986 Raven Gun for Tower of London (Royal Armouries) 1988 Condiment Set for 10 Downing Street (the Silver Trust) 1989 Standing Cup and Cover (National Museums of Scotland) 1994 Charger – Cockerel Bowl (Goldsmiths’ Company)

THE HAND ENGRAVERS ASSOCIATION The Hand Engravers Association is dedicated to all prac-

1999 Sculptural table centrepiece for Bute Collection, for use by

titioners of this craft on metal and precious and semi-

Scottish First Minister (Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of

precious stones. They believe there is a lack of awareness

Edinburgh); pair of Tazzas (WS Society, Signet Library); white gold

and appreciation for what is done in this area. The aim

Millennium Casket (Goldsmiths’ Company)

of the Association is to reverse this and to reignite an

2000 First Royal Medal (Royal Society of Edinburgh)

interest and understanding of this rich and diverse skill.

2005 The Trafalgar Medal (Sim Comfort Associates, London)

www.handengravers.co.uk

2007 Design for 150th Years Celebration Book, V&A Museum 2008 Silver pendant for V&A’s ‘Cherry on the Cake’ Designer Collection 2009 Contemporary Loving Cups for George Heriot’s School, Edinburgh (to celebrate 350th years) 2011 Annual engraved gold bangle for Children 1st, Aberdeen

a differing design each year by Malcolm Appleby in aid of Children 1st charity. Every year since the 1970s, he has

2011 The Prince of Wales Cup engraved in 1970, sold at Bonhams’ for

made three exclusive bangles of gold and silver, which are

£75,000 setting a new record for post-war silver or gold item.

then raffled off at the charity’s annual fundraising Touch of

2013 Pair of Candlesticks for St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh

Tartan Ball. In recent years, the bangle has raised in the

2014 Enamelled Beakers ‘Tectonic I’ and ‘Tectonic II’ purchased by Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths 7

The ‘Banchory Bangle’ as shown (top, middle) is made with

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region of £11,000 annually for Children 1st. Details to enter the raffle will be announced soon.

Scotland’s Premier Craft Destination Karelia House, Scotland’s premier craft destination is set in

stunning Highland Perthshire on the banks of the rivers Tay and Lyon. This is simply a crafter’s paradise.

Our coffee shop offers a warm welcome with a selection of comfortable chairs and sofas around our wood burning stoves. Enjoy coffee and homemade cakes, including Gluten Free, as well as delicious light lunches at one of our tastefully decorated tables. We stock an abundance of top quality yarns - from baby llama to pure silk and bamboo to merino wool and everything in between. Debbie Bliss, Mirasol, Noro, Sublime, Colinette, Rowan and Adriafil are just a few of our brands. Our range of accessories and patterns is comprehensive. When only the best will do, then come and browse through our vast range of fabrics and batiks including Moda, Timeless Treasures, Stof and Oakshott. Our fabrics are available by the metre, fat quarter, jelly rolls, layer cake, etc. so enjoy topping up your stash or making your choice for a new project.

The Heartland Buzz

01887 822027

www.kareliahouse.co.uk

to in s

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ou bring this pa

if y

Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 10am - 4pm

t. 01887 840760 info@theinnonthetay.co.uk www.theinnonthetay.co.uk The Inn on the Tay, Grandtully Perthshire, PH9 0PL

B A R | R E S TA U R A N T | R O O M S

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Nestled into the banks of the roaring River Tay, in the midst of the rolling hills with forests either side, lies the Inn on The Tay. A family-friendly 5 bedroom hotel, with a 56 seat restaurant and cosy bar, overlooks the rushing frenzy of the River Tay outside.

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‘‘

ABERFELDY

The Inn on the Tay is a home away from home, where service with a smile comes naturally. The way of life allows you to relax, unwind and forget the city. If you seek adventure go white water rafting, take a hike through the glorious scenery, or simply relax and watch the world go by.

A smart little Inn on the banks of the Tay

The Wonderful World Of Fine Art Photographer Rosie Nixon Rosie Nixon is a talented local fine art photographer who not only takes photos but grows them too. She’s also a keen gardener though she admits that she isn’t one of the tidiest. She’s very easily distracted from doing the weeding by anything that blooms, flutters, buzzes, creeps or crawls. Her camera is never too far away; and she prefers to be observing and soaking up nature in her garden rather than working in it.

The Heartland Buzz

Rosie is based in the outskirts of Perth

alone. It’s in those tranquil moments that

Rosie intuitively knows just when she’s

and alongside her garden she uses the

she has time to pause, reflect and create.

made that vital connection with her sub-

surrounding bucolic Perthshire country-

side as her natural light studio.

She likes to surprise her audience with

Photography for Rosie is a comforting

overlooked, form, colour and beauty of

release and escape from the stresses of

her subjects. She loves those spontane-

life. She knows her local area intimately

ous and unplanned moments; the times

and has walked the same paths and trails

when she doesn’t focus on the obvious

for years. She prefers to go out shooting

alone.

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captures of the unseen, or the often

ject. There’s that rush of adrenalin and she becomes totally absorbed in the creating process. She’s recently come to realise that most of her best shots have always been taken when she’s been happily lost in those times of solitude.

GET YOUR WORK FEATURED NEXT MONTH

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How did you get into photography? I’ve always been interested in photography. I’ve so many memories of looking through old family albums with my grandparents and hearing the stories behind the photos. My parents carried on that family album tradition and we were always getting photos taken. I started taking portraits of my family in my grandfather’s garden when I was a teenager. Later my own garden became the backdrop for the photos of my kids. My preferred camera was an old Voigtlander rangefinder and I very rarely photographed a flower on its own; usually the kids had to pose beside the flowers. When digital came along all that changed and I had the freedom to click the shutter as much as I wanted. Rosie, what are your favourite subjects to photograph?

I mostly shoot flowers; in a unique and visual way that draws you in and holds your attention. I try to combine their

The Heartland Buzz

beauty and sensuality along with a

years. The most notable being the late

sense of mystery and exploration by

American artist, Georgia O’Keeffe and

using shallow depths of field with my

her floral paintings; Kathleen Clemons

macro lens or lensbaby kit.

with her macro and lensbaby work and

Have you always been creative? I’ve always been creative; it’s in my genes.

When I was younger if there

wasn’t a pencil or a crayon in my hand I

Pep Ventosa with his unique style of impressionist photography. How do you take your ladybird images?

would be knitting, sewing or crocheting

I use a tripod for most of my work but

just like my mum. Nowadays I paint with

when it comes to taking ladybird shots

pixels… while my mum paints with oils

they are all hand held macro captures.

and acrylics.

Over the years I’ve developed a refined

Your style is so unique, where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration mostly comes from nature; the beauty of creation and the opportunities each new day brings. My grandfather was a gardener and a great

muscle control with my posture. I can accurately judge and place the minute focusing distances needed, while using shallow depths of field with my macro lens. I spend hours in the garden just shooting ladybirds. It can be very tiring work, but the results are ultimately very

influence in my life so it was a very natu-

rewarding.

ral thing for flowers and gardens to be-

What do you love about Perthshire?

come such an inspiration in my own life. Even though other’s tell me that I have a unique style other artists and photographers have inspired me too over the

I’ve lived here with my family for almost 15 years and there are still so many hidden gems yet to discover. There’s so

much to photograph, whether it’s along

HELPING CREATIVES STAY CREATIVE!

a village street with its quirky doorways and windows, or admiring the hills at sunset. Then there are the woodland trails, the lochs and river banks, all with their rich diversity of wildflowers and wildlife. The inspiration is just endless! What are your favourite spots in Perthshire for photography?

I enjoy strolling along the River Almond and River Tay. February is the time for the snowdrops to start flowering in the river silt. In April and May there are the drifts of wood anemones, bluebells and wild garlic. Then all summer there is a rich array of colourful wildflowers which encourage so many butterflies and bees into the area. While in October it’s watching the ever changing hues of autumn colour and the salmon leaping as they travel back to their spawning sites. Branklyn Garden is also another favourite spot for me to be found with my camera. I can spend hours there throughout the seasons discovering new flowers and enjoying others that I don’t have room to grow in my own garden. How long do you spend post processing your images?

Google+ +Rosie Nixon

I’m self-taught in Photoshop, though my

Twitter @leavesnbloom

post processing workflow very much de-

Facebook Leavesnbloom Fine Art & Photography

pends on my audience. If I’m using an image alongside my garden writing then very little is done to the image other than

possibilities with my photography. Later

converting it from a raw file.

I’d recommend learning how to shoot

this year I’ll be helping to mentor pho-

in manual mode rather than letting your

tography students online for nine weeks

camera stay in an automatic setting.

on this artistic style of photography.

There are so many free online resources

My fine art images are treated differently. I enjoy bringing them to life through post processing. I allow my personality and vision to permeate my work as I manipulate the pixels. Many times you’ll find that my images have been layered with textures to give a painterly feel that enhances the mood. Sometimes I’ll spend an entire evening artistically crafting just one image. What other things keep you busy? Besides family, work commitments and trying to keep an active presence on social media I’m always exploring new

The Heartland Buzz

What is the one thing you wish you

knew when you started taking photos?

Invest in good glass from the outset. Scottish light is poor during the winter months, lenses with the capability of shooting at wide apertures in low light conditions are really worth saving up for.

today to help you to master those technical skills. The best gear isn’t everything, you need to discover your vision and follow it. My own images show that you don’t need to go to fancy locations as you can turn simple things into a masterpiece. You can also read Rosie’s

gardening

blog, where she writes from having well

What advice would you give to any-

over a decade of training and experi-

phy?

leavesnbloom.com

one looking to getting into photogra-

ence in the horticultural industry www.

Have your say! JOIN THE BUZZ! We are a magazine that likes to involve as much of the community as possible. You are the future of this magazine. The way it grows and evolves is in your hands. If you have a story, an idea or a business you wish to promote, or if you feel you can contribute to our magazine in a positive way, then we would love to hear from you. We are also currently looking for a varied mixture of people and organisations that can help our magazine grow. Are YOU interested?

GET INVOLVED... Community councils and organisations. Individual community members. Bloggers, columnists and article writers. New and established small businesses. Nonprofit organisations and groups. All types of creative businesses and individuals. Fundraisers & campaigners.

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Can you truly say you are happy with the way you are as you stand today?

WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? I love what I do! I am a Sports Scientist and I help people realise their true health potential and what they can achieve with the right education and nourishment. We live in a world of speed and urgency, gadgets and gizmos. Yet our self-preservation does not come into it, because there is a pill for any symptom we may have and it is a luxury to spend time on ourselves. Diet Our bodies depend upon the right nutrients. Movement We need to move in order to stay strong and create energy. Massage A wonderful, positive touch that can help ease tension and aches. Sleep The key to recovery and repair, without it your body cannot keep going AND IT’S FREE! Water Under rated and a huge preventative for many diseases. These are all the basics in life, all of which give us our drive, our passion, our happiness. Surely ignoring our own bodies, when it is the only one we possess, will come back to haunt us and cost us dearly in the future.

A little love, a little nourishment and the world flows a little happier.

One The life,Heartland live it Buzz well... if you would like to know more please get in contact sam@perthshirekettlebells.co.uk Tel: 07834279446

The Heartland Buzz

Go Rural is leading an initiative to help grow Agritourism in Scotland. Agritourism businesses are those with a tourism or leisure offering based on a working farm, estate or croft. These include farm shops, farm activity parks, adventure activities and those with accommodation ranging from farm B & Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to yurts, lodges, wigwams, converted farm buildings etc. Go Rural also promotes farmers who are producing quality food and drink on the farm. Scotland is not necessarily known for Agritourism at present but we have iconic world class food and drink, world renowned heritage, some of the best scenery in the world, fabulous farming, fabled hospitality and first class quality accommodation. We can offer a fantastic Agritourism experience to not just the Scottish and UK consumer, but also internationally. Agritourism businesses are some of the leading businesses in Scottish tourism and leisure and Go Rural has some fantastic quality Perthshire members who cover a wide range of agritourism businesses.

Full details of all Go Rural members or further information can be found at

www.goruralscotland.com

To find out more about Go Rural contact Business Manager, Sheena Howden at sheena@goruralforbusiness.com

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* Terms and conditions apply.

Go Rural is all about fres h air, fun, farming , freedom an d good food theref ore why no t visit a farm really soon to experienc e Scottish Agritourism at its best!

Just like the Go Rural facebook page and post the answer to the question ‘Which Go Rural member in Perthshire produces and sells eggs, oats, beef and pork?’ At Gloagburn Farm Shop you can pur-

chase eggs, oats, beef and pork produced on the farm and their kitchen produces a wide range of products which can be sampled in their restaurant or taken away to eat later.

There is also

a delightful gift shop where items are sourced with the aim of providing something ‘a little bit different’. Active Kids Adventure Park is where

families can enjoy fresh air and fun whilst playing and exploring in the Outdoor Adventure Park which includes Tractor Ted’s Little Farm. Visitors can explore the five mile wood by walking or cycling and there is an indoor play area for younger children. Delicious home baking and light lunches are served in their café. Summer Harvest Oil is based in the

green hills of the Strathearn Valley, Perthshire and the family have been farming there for over 130 years. Everything they need to make the perfect bottle of Summer Harvest is found on the farm, they grow all of their own crops, press all of their oil and watch every finished bottle leave the farm. Errichel House & Cottages is based

land cattle and for those feeling adventurous, they can walk over the fields for more spectacular

The winning entry will be drawn after the closing date Monday 30 March 2015.*

views down the valley to Schiehallion and the mountains to the north. Why not kick back and relax beneath the stars in the comfort of your own Wigwam cabin at Newmill Farm, which

provides a luxury camping experience in the farm’s orchard. Staying on a farm has never been so much fun! There is also the option of bed and breakfast and a self-catering cottage South Littleton Holiday Cottages, based outside Blairgowrie, are an ideal

retreat to enjoy peace and quiet. Enjoy the local golf, fishing, walking, cycling, riding and skiing in winter in this 17th century farm steading, which was transformed into a country idyll. Centrally situated in one of Scotlands’ beautiful Glens, Cromald Cottages lie

in an elevated position on the family estate near Bridge of Cally and are a perfect retreat for exploring Perthshire. Star Equestrian was set up to develop

the confidence of young riders through positive social interaction and fun educational equestrian experiences. They teach youngsters to care for and respect animals and others in a relaxed, yet motivating, outdoor environment. Atholl Estates and Blair Castle sit at the gateway to Cairngorms National

Park with Blair Castle at its heart. There are 145,000 acres of hills, moorland, woodland, rivers and lochs for visitors to explore and you can stay on the estate in various types of accommodation, including their brand new wooden camping pods. Go Rural also organise events and learning journeys, which included a trip to Tuscany in 2104 to look at Italian agritourism. They work with other quality rural businesses to promote the talent that exists in the rural sector in Scotland.

on a family run hill farm on the slopes above Aberfeldy. They have characterful self catering holiday homes, bed and

itter

breakfast guest rooms and a stunning restaurant. Guests love to explore and meet the ponies, sheep, goats and Shet19

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on Follow us

Gorural

Facebook

Tw Find us on

lScotlan @GoRura

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Green Highland Renewables

Water, in its various uses, has become

miles of one. You might not see them

synonymous with Scotland.

From its

(that is the aim), but they are there, qui-

lochs to its whisky and its rain to its mills,

etly generating. Relying on the flow of

you can never escape it.

the river for power at any given time,

Traditionally, hydropower has also been something Scotland can boast about in the form of large-scale developments across the country undertaken in the 1950s, including the Breadalbane system around Ben Lawers, to the recent completion of the 100MW Glendoe

nor do they completely deprive the watercourse of all available water. Provided they are developed, designed and constructed correctly, they can be viewed as a more environmentally friendly type of modern day renewable development.

company now has two offices – one in Perth and another in Dingwall – and em-

system, owned and operated by power

One such company – Green Highland

ploys 21 staff, who all work together to

giant SSE.

Renewables (GHR) – has its roots firmly

deliver high quality scheme, in a fast-

set in Highland Perthshire, having risen

paced industry that requires innovation,

out of the Glen Lyon development. Sev-

dedication and motivation.

Recently, incentivised through government subsidies, called feed-in-tariffs, smaller scale hydropower has received a huge boost, with Scotland looking to deliver on promises made regarding re-

en schemes developed in partnership resulted in GHR being formed, subsequently receiving backing from SSE.

The Company has had some notable successes in recent years, including the construction and commissioning of its

newable energy. Smaller, more widely

Originally with a small office at the

first scheme in Glen Lyon, at Roroyere,

dispersed developments, referred to as

crossroads of Crieff Road and Kenmore

the commissioning of a 2MW project

run-of-river schemes, have been the fo-

Street, with three full time staff (includ-

in Strathcarron involved in directional

cus of renewable developers across the

ing one former Breadalbane Academy

drilling through significant bedrock and

country.

pupil), GHR quickly established itself as

the commissioning of a 1MW project at

one of Scotland’s leading hydro devel-

Achnasheen.

Drive anywhere north of the Highland line and odds on you’ll be within a few

they do not create large storage areas,

The Heartland Buzz

opers. Fast forward six years and the

SEE THE BOOK “THE DAM BUILDERS – POWER FROM THE GLENS” FOR SOME INSPIRATIONAL STORIES ON HYDRO CONSTRUCTION.

and is well versed in working in some of

quires to be constructed and commis-

Scotland’s most sensitive environments,

sioned to allow the generation of elec-

including Glen Affric, Glen Lyon and

tricity. These schemes, up to 2MW, may

Loch Lomond and Trossachs National

not sound like difficult projects, but with

Park. Each scheme is designed and con-

complex hydraulics and finely-tuned

sented, following a detailed and thor-

generating equipment, each has its own

ough assessment phase, which results

challenge.

in authorisation from the consultees,

rently constructing three schemes on

including the Council, SEPA and SNH.

the north shore of Loch Arkaig, where a

Every site is visited multiple times by a

private electrical network has been de-

team of surveyors to ensure the best fit

signed and installed to allow export to

is chosen for the location, balancing the

the national grid.

design and engineering needs with the environmental sensitivity of the site.

Currently the Company is generating in excess of 7MW and with a busy construction period over the next few years, this looks set to rise considerably. The Company has well over 35 schemes in its development and construction portfolio, ranging from 500kW up to 2MW,

PERTH OFFICE Inveralmond Road, Inveralmond Industrial Estate, Perth, PH1 3TW T. 01738 493110 E. info@greenhighland.co.uk

www.greenhighland.co.uk The Heartland Buzz

For example, GHR is cur-

Novel designs, such as the bespoke reinstatement of construction tracks

“It’s unusual in any line of work to get

to look like old drovers roads, and the

paid to take a walk in some of Scotland’s

aforementioned directional drill (the

most beautiful locations, whilst looking

first time this has been done in Scotland

to secure the energy future of Scotland,”

for a project of this size), all help to en-

says Jayson Drummond, Hydro Devel-

sure the local landscape returns to its

opment Manager at GHR. “We’re very

original state as soon as possible once

privileged to be able to do this and,

commissioned.

hopefully, will have achieved something special over the course of the next two years as our consented schemes are delivered” Once fully consented, each scheme re-

Each scheme may not sound like a significant contribution to the giant elephant that is the national energy consumption rate, but how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

www.errichel.co.uk

Recipe of the Month Our Recipe of the Month is Beef & Ale Casserole from Thyme at Errichel Restaurant, Errichel Farm, Aberfeldy. Cooked in one pot, this is easy to prepare and perfect on a cold winter’s day.

ituated two miles above Aberfeldy, on the

training in hospitality Paul and Becky embarked on these

Crieff Road, Errichel Farm enjoys a beau-

new ventures with the family, learning new skills from

tiful setting and spectacular views across

building, plumbing to keeping and breeding livestock,

Highland Perthshire.

whilst building the accommodation and restaurant side

As a family enter-

prise, we run sheep and pedigree Shetland Cattle on the hill, breed Highland Ponies, Large Black Pigs and keep a selection of goats and poultry.

of the business. Paul, Patron Chef of Thyme at Errichel, creates a menu which reflects seasonality, showcasing the best of Scot-

In 2010 we introduced three unique luxury self-catering

tish and local produce, with flavours and influences from

holiday cottages and in 2014, after over a year of hard

around the world. While the menu changes frequently,

work and the input of many local trades people, we have

there are a number of Paul’s signature dishes, including

finally opened our newly refurbished farmhouse, provid-

Thyme’s Own Beetroot Cured Scottish Salmon with Es-

ing four luxury ensuite guest rooms available on a B&B

sence of Orange and Dewar’s Whisky (as shown) and our

basis and Thyme at Errichel restaurant open to non-resi-

best-selling Puddledub Buffalo Steaks available all year

dents, managed by Paul and Becky Newman.

round. We aim to support local businesses and food

Paul Newman brings with him over 30 years experience working as a chef within luxury establishments, both in the UK and overseas. With their joint experience and

producers, using a mix of our own farm produce and local produce whenever possible. We have launched our Cookery School, holding courses within our professional kitchen, welcoming David MacCarfrae, once cake maker for the Royal family, to Errichel in September 2015 for a series of full-day cake decorating workshops, involving both royal icing and butter cream piping techniques. We are available for private dining, weddings and events throughout the week, ideal for those people looking for bespoke, private functions. If you would like to know more about what we are up to you can visit our website, follow us on Facebook or contact us direct.

We would like to thank so many local people who have helped us on the way; our builder Sean Campbell and his team, our Architect Rob Macpherson and the team at Fearn Macpherson Architects, Tam Shilliday for all ground works, joiner David Gourlay, Tay Gas & Oil plumbing, Graeme Whyte electrician, Garty & Christie decorators, Design Floor Studio, Acorn Fabrics, D & M Fencing & Groundworks, Ben Campbell Fencing, Bridget of Gatehouse Nursery for plants and flowers, Scott Gilmour Gardener and Sprit of Wood. We remain grateful to all those who have given their spare time to help and continue to support us and finally to Alastair and Iris Budge-Reid without whom none of this would have been possible.

Thyme at Errichel Restaurant Errichel, Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, PH15 2EL. T. 01887 829562 E. enquiries@errichel.co.uk

The Heartland Buzz

www.errichel.co.uk

Serves 4

Ingredients

Method

500g of diced 21 day matured Shetland Beef

Place all the ingredients into a large saucepan, bring to the boil

1 bottle Head East Beer, Strathbraan Brewery 6 large black mushrooms, chopped

and simmer over a low heat until the sauce has reduced and thickens (usually 45mins â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 hour). Taste and season with salt and pepper.

3 tbs soya sauce 100g red onions, diced 100g carrots, chopped 100g tomato puree 1 sprig of thyme Large pinch of Salt and black pepper

Tip You can serve this with a pre-cooked pastry lid, or pipe creamed horseradish mashed potato over the top. If you have a slow cooker, you can place the ingredients in the cooker in the morning and come home to a hearty dinner after work.

April â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October Open for dinner Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat from 6pm. Lunch on Friday and Saturday from 12 noon. Open For Mothers Day Lunch Sunday 15 March and Easter Sunday lunch, 5 April. Regular Sunday Openings To Be Announced Soon!

The Heartland Buzz

Something’s

Brewing T

he human race has been creating beer for thousands of years. Within Britain, around a hundred and thirty years ago, the production of beer or ale was in the middle of

an exciting period in its history. Large num-

bers of breweries existed across the land and it would be common for villages and towns to have several.

The demand for beer was much higher than today and

many styles emerged that are still popular now. Indeed, beer was virtually part of the currency, often making up

part of the overall compensation that workers of the time

would receive. It was common for farm, estate and brewery workers to be given an allowance of around eight pints a day as part of their pay.

In today’s society it seems unimaginable for any workforce to be expected to be productive with these employment

conditions, let alone be capable of driving home under current legislation.

TheHeartlandBuzzmeetEwanWatson, Strathtay’sveryownBBCOneShow Brew-offcompetitionwinner.

The Heartland Buzz

Something’s

Brewing The popularity of ales dwindled in the

possible of course. In the middle of the

Dundee Food and Flower Festivals in the

middle of the twentieth century and by

eighties, beer and wine kits, equipment

past few years, Ewan then came first in

the late seventies the fashion was most

and ingredients could be purchased

the BBC One Show Brew-off competition

decidedly for the lager style of beer.

from a well-known nationwide chemist.

in the autumn of 2014. We caught up

However, since the middle of the eighties

With the promise of an easy-to-follow

with the home-brewer to find out more

a resurgence of interest in small batch,

process, and cheap beer being the out-

about him and how he produced the

hand-crafted ale has been steadily grow-

come, many tried their hand. Although

award winning beer from his garage.

ing. By the turn of the millennium there

much pleasure, novelty and alcohol

were around 500 registered microbrew-

were the outcome, it left many slightly

eries producing a wide range of modern and traditional beers and by the end of last year the number of small breweries numbered close to 1500. Although this is still nowhere close to the number or

“There are two main options for brewing at home. Kit brewing or all-grain brew-

“Beer is much likeanyfoodstuff. Its flavour is influenced byall of its ingredients”

breweries a hundred years ago, the interest in the current beer revolution driven

disappointed at the quality of what was

by small scale microbreweries cannot be

created compared to commercially avail-

denied.

able beer. But times have changed. The

Along with this current boom in small breweries there has been a significant upturn in interest for brewing at home. Brewing beer at home has long been

knowledge about what happens during the brewing process is now much more widely understood and that information is more widely available than ever before, thanks in part to the internet. This is helping home-brewers

achieve

a higher quality of beer than ever before. One

Ewanand hisaward winning beer! 28

The Heartland Buzz

such

ing.” explains Ewan. “The kit brewing process uses a can of pre-made syrup which has been produced from malted barley and hops and only requires the addition of water and yeast. The kit process is easy, but the pre-defined flavours present in the syrup dominate and determine the final style of the beer. In contrast, the all-grain method is the same process used by commercial breweries and microbreweries alike, using raw ingredients such as malted barley, hops,

home-brew

yeast and water. The grains are steeped

fan from the Heartland

in hot water then the sweet liquid that

Buzz area is Strathtay

is produced is boiled with hops before

resident, Ewan Watson.

it is cooled and yeast is added. It is this

He became interested in

all-grain process that is more labour in-

the hobby in the eighties,

tensive, but which gives the brewer the

also starting by using kits

flexibility to use any variation of ingredi-

and over time progressed

ents in their pursuit of the desired beer

to all-grain brewing. Hav-

style. This combined with refining the

ing had success in beer

process are what constitute the crafting

categories at successive

of a beer.”

Neil Morrissey Described Wedding Dazeasa“bobby dazzler” ofabeer!

Shop, off-licence, bar and delicatessen beer shelves seem to be full of a myriad of different styles, but as Ewan explains these can generally be categorised mainly into four styles. “The four main categories of beer are bitter, mild, stout and lager. There are a lot of different beers that have become popular and these have recognisable names, such as India Pale Ale (IPA), Wheat Beer and Porters, however these still fit within the main four styles when considering how to make the beer. IPAs and pale ales fall into the bitter category, wheat beer falls into the lager category and porter into the mild category.” “Beer is much like any foodstuff. Its flavour is influenced by all of its ingredients – water, malted barley (or grains), yeast and hops. Each one of these elements is important and none more so that the water itself. Like all foods, flavour can be significantly enhanced or affected by seasoning. For food we often add salt (Sodium Chloride) and pepper. For the water we use in making beer, different salts are important, but act in a similar way. Tap water contains natural salts or ions, for example Calcium Chloride and Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum). These salts get dissolved into our ground water as it percolates through rocks after falling as rain. Differences in the water in different parts of the country, or world, originally accounted for the success of particular beer styles in those areas. For example, dark stouts from Ireland, light lagers from Pilsen in Germany and bitter from 29

The Heartland Buzz

Burton on Trent in England. Even here in the Highlands, water from Killiecrankie can differ in salts significantly from water from nearby Rannoch. Water and specific salt profiles are the building blocks of each beer style. The natural salts, or seasoning, can be adjusted at the start of the brewing process if you know what your water supply has, and what your

the hot water is also infused with colour and flavour from the grains. The resulting sweet, coloured water, called wort, is then boiled for at least an hour. During this boil, hop flowers are added. The boiling process has two benefits. It sterilises the wort and it also dissolves the oil from the hop flowers to give the liquid a bitterness that balances the sweet-

final beer style requires. This is probably the most common area that is not properly addressed by home-brewers. Indeed it was years before I learned the importance of this step.” “The next ingredient, barley, also contributes significant flavour. Malted barley is the primary source of natural sugars that are needed to make beer. Most of the sugars will be turned into alcohol by yeast, through a process called fermentation. The range of malted, un-malted and cereal grains available to the brewer is large. A whole host of different roasting levels produce different colours and flavours

and

combining

several types of grain from those available can create even more variety.” “Having soaked the grains for around one hour in hot water (66 C) enzymes within the grain convert the starch into soluble sugars. Different types of sugars are created. Most of these can be converted by yeasts into alcohol. As well as sugar,

“Along withthe current boom in small breweries there has beenasignificant upturn in interestfor brewingathome ”

“To make MYBEER widely available I would need premises. I haven’tfound thatlocallyyet. ButI’m notruling itout!”

ness. Like different barley grains, there

goes to work converting the sugars into

some honey provided by the groom’s

are dozens of different varieties of hop

something altogether more interesting:

parents, who are involved with a com-

flowers now available. Herby, floral, pine

carbon dioxide gas, alcohol and flavour

munity bee garden, and some hop flow-

scented, resinous and many other words

compounds are produced. After about

ers from our garden in Strathtay that

are used to describe particular flavour

three days the fermentation process has

flourished in the fantastic summer of

and aroma attributes for each different

consumed most of the simple sugars

2013.

type of hop variety. The brewer must de-

that can be converted. More complex

cide which of these flavours, aromas and

sugars are left and remain in the final

which level of bitterness is desired.”

beer to give it what is known as mouth-

“After the boil is over, the wort is quickly cooled and aerated. It is now an ideal environment within which organisms may grow. Bacteria would thrive, if given a chance and produce flavours that are not pleasant. But we do not want anything to grow other than something that

ished its job, the beer is cooled and the yeast drops out of the beer leaving it clear. At this stage the beer can be trans-

not all yeasts have desirable characteristics, but there are hundreds that do. Each strain has its own characteristics. This may be the flavour it creates, its tolerance to alcohol levels, how easily it drops out of the beer or how fast it converts sugars to alcohol. And to add another variable, the same strain of yeast will produce different flavours at different temperatures. Brewers tend to use a batch of yeast that is from a single strain in order to get a predictable flavour, especially when brewing the same beer again.” Once yeast is added, it multiplies rapidly in the sugary, oxygen rich wort, then it

The Heartland Buzz

the beer that we had named Wedding Daze.“ explains Ewan.

the contestants were asked to attend

not present.

the final judging at a beer festival near

takes at least another two weeks, dur-

different strains of yeast exist. However,

wife, Gill, who encouraged me to enter

sels. Even at this point the final flavour is

hol.”

us, even floating in the air. Thousands of

for a homebrew champion. It was my

After passing the initial selection round,

A maturation period is required and this

natural living organisms are all around

announced their nationwide search

ferred to bottles, or larger storage ves-

produces a nice taste and some alco“Yeast is the next key element. These

feel or fullness. After the yeast has fin-

It was a month later that The One Show

ing which time the flavours continue to develop. Darker beers take longer to mature, and some very strong and dark stouts can even take 12 months before they are ready to drink. The final beer flavour is therefore a combination of all of the ingredients, as well as the process that the brewer follows. And what of the beer that won the 2014 BBC One Show Brew-Off competition?

Peterborough. Beer sommelier ,Jane Peyton and comedian, Neil Morrissey who himself had brewed beer, commercially and for fun, were present to evaluate the entries. Describing Wedding Daze as a “bobby dazzler” of a beer in their analysis, they went on to announce Ewan’s beer as the victorious entry. And is the award winning beer avail-

able for the rest of us?

“I’ve had plenty of interest in the beer immediately following the broadcast and provided some to friends for Christ-

“It was a pale ale, light straw coloured.

mas. To make it more widely available I

My wife’s nephew was engaged to be

would need premises about the size of

married last year and he asked me to

a double garage, with mains drainage,

make a beer for their wedding celebra-

water and electricity, but I haven’t found

tion, which was in July. I thought a beer

that locally yet. But I’m not ruling it out

that was light, summery and refreshing

in the future if somewhere to brew be-

would suit their summer party well. To

comes available. ”

make it even more personal I also used

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The Heartland Buzz

“We now have a system in place where we can identify, trace and follow livestock movements better than we can people.”

Changing Times For Scottish Farmers t

here

been

many

After the food scare of BSE in 1996 and

can result in a penalty on our single farm

Scottish

the utter devastation of foot and mouth

payment and possibly lead to that ani-

farmers over the years

in 2001, Scottish and UK farming has

mal being absolutely worthless and un-

changes

for

but over the last 20

had to comply with a huge amount of

saleable. These passports contain a lot

years farmers will have had to adapt to

cross compliance issues to enable us to

of information, including the individual

change probably more than they did

receive our single farm payment, which

number of the sire and the dam, its date

over the previous four or five decades.

is vital for us to keep producing food

of birth and its unique identity and must

Up to around the mid 1990’s the key fo-

at an affordable price to the consumer.

move with the animal wherever it goes,

cus in most farmers minds was how to

Livestock in particular has been under

even to local shows and these individual

produce as much food as possible from

the microscope. As a result we now have

movements must be recorded not only

as little input as possible to make the

a system in place where we can identify,

in the farm herd register, but also with

maximum amount of profit to re-invest

trace and follow livestock movements

the British Cattle Movement Service in

in their business.

better than we can people.

Workington Cumbria.

Although the main principal today is

The general public can, if they like, apply

Believe it or not, it’s worse for sheep, al-

very similar, pressures of modern day

for and be given a passport. That’s not

though they do not require a passport,

farming don’t allow you to put 100%

the case with cattle in the UK. All bovine

every sheep on the farm must now have

of your effort and enthusiasm into only

animals (cattle) must have been double

an electronic ear tag. Lambs which are

the practical aspect of farming, a great

tagged with a unique herd mark and six

destined for slaughter under one year

deal of time and effort must be given

digit tag and have a passport applied

old can carry a single UK electronic tag,

to make sure the paperwork is accurate

for before the animal is 27 days old.

but all older sheep, including the breed-

and completed on time or we could face

Failure to do this correctly, and on time,

ing flock, must be double tagged, one

a hefty penalty.

has

The Heartland Buzz

“We are about to enter into one of the biggest changes in recent times.” of which must be electronic and all these individual numbers must be recorded in the flock register. Again, like the cattle, all double tagged sheep movements need to be recorded not only in the farm flock register, but also in a Scottish central data base. These are just some of the issues that affect livestock, I’ll not go into disease control and vaccination, medicine records and withdrawal periods, health plans, feed rationing, herd improvement, to name but a few, all of which require their own paperwork. I’m sure by now you know what I meant when I said that modern farming is not just about the practical job. The problem is we as farmers often feel guilty about spending so much time doing paperwork during the day as there is always so much to do outside on the

By Martin Kennedy

The Heartland Buzz

farm, so we tend to do it in the evenings

area based system as a result of produc-

which is not ideal as this is interfering

tion subsidies falling foul of world trade

with time that should be spent with fam-

organisation rules.

ily and recharging sometimes very low batteries.

Without going into too much detail, the National Farmers Union for Scotland has

I headed this column up as changing

worked alongside the Scottish Govern-

times for Scottish farmers. Well, as if

ment and other stakeholders to come

the last 20 years hasn’t brought about

up with an area based system that will

enough change, we are about to enter

now pay out on a land type, rather than

into one of the biggest changes in re-

how much it will produce.

cent times.

With all of these changes that have tak-

For many years now farmers and con-

en place over the years (and i have just

sumers right across Europe have bene-

touched the surface). You would think

fited from a common agricultural policy,

why bother, but farmers are a pretty

which has enabled farmers to produce

adaptable bunch and really love do-

food at affordable prices by way of an

ing the job they do and I doubt if any

agricultural subsidy. This in the past

amount of challenging weather condi-

has been paid out as a production sub-

tions or time consuming bureaucracy

sidy, i.e. a sum of money paid out on a

will ever change that.

per head basis, or per hectare of crop grown. This is about to change to an

Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters An artisan coffee roastery based in Aberfeldy, supplying freshly roasted speciality grade coffee to delicatessens and coffee shops throughout Scotland. Glen Lyon Coffee is available to buy from a number of delis, local farmers markets or online at www.glenlyoncoffee. co.uk. You are also welcome to drop by and visit the team at the Roastery in the Aberfeldy Business Park.

T. 01887 822 817 34

The Heartland Buzz

Set up by Fiona Grant in a bothy in remote Glen Lyon in 2011, the business has now become one of the most established coffee roasteries in the Highlands. “I started roasting coffee in a freezing bothy in the Glen on this ancient Turkish roaster that I found on eBay with three sacks of beans,” said Fiona. “It’s been amazing to see the business grow. We now have a state of the art German coffee roaster installed at our Aberfeldy roastery, three parttime members of staff and are roasting close to seven tons of green coffee a year.” Social responsibility and traceability are central to the business. Glen Lyon Coffee ethically sources beans from single estates, farms and co-operatives and is proud to pay growers substantially over Fairtrade prices. Buying seasonally and in small amounts means that there are always new and exciting coffees on offer.

“We source beans from around the world but our favourites are from Bolivia, Guatemala and Rwanda,” added Fiona. “Colombian and Kenyan coffee always sell well but it’s so exciting to be able to offer beans from more unusual origins. We often get in exclusive micro-lots and we’ve just started roasting coffee from Papua New Guinea, a brand new region for us.” Glen Lyon Coffee’s success is down to Fiona’s lifelong passion for coffee. She worked for many years as a journalist in Latin America, where she met coffee producers first hand and was later trained in coffee roasting at the London School of Coffee. As the business grows Fiona plans to spend more time on trips to origin and eventually set up direct trade with small producers. Deeply rooted in Highland Perthshire, Glen Lyon Coffee is dedicated to promoting the region as a fantastic location for great food, drink and outdoor adventure. You can try their coffee at a number of cafes in Highland Perthshire, including Dewars Distillery, Highland Safaris Cafe, Aberfeldy Farmfresh, The Three Lemons and The Watermill. 35

The Heartland Buzz

Mel’s Hilltop Diary

elcome to my occasional diary.

truck. He’d got his motor home wedged with

I’m Mel, a mother of two and

two wheels over a precipice.

a reporter with the Perthshire Advertiser. My husband and I

have a B&B in Glenlyon with just enough land round it to indulge in a bit of the Good Life. As you can imagine, living up a remote Highland glen has its moments – we get frozen water, power cuts and sometimes unexpected guests. Oh and Granny lives next door.

Valentine’s Day victim was a man who also got stuck on the Ben Lawers road and wandered off looking for a mobile signal. He went the wrong way, deeper into the land of no signal. After walking six miles in the dark the poor lad ended up at our place. He left with our headtorch, looking pretty crestfallen. Having left his

Right now we should be having a quiet patch,

new girlfriend shivering alone in the car for

because bookings for the holiday cottage don’t

three hours, he was unlikely to have won her

really start until Easter, but Valentine’s Day puts

heart.

people in mind for a romantic country break. Unfortunately your average sat nav sends people over the Ben Lawers road between Loch Tay and Bridge of Balgie. You take your life in your hands if you take the winding pass in winter - it’s untreated and you can’t turn around. On top of that there’s no phone signal and if you get into difficulty, you’re unlikely to meet anyone. Our house happens to be the first you come to when all else fails. Two years ago some Germans got their camper van stuck in a snow drift up there. It was five weeks before they could get it out again. And last weekend the road was catching out more unwitting drivers. First to come a cropper was a couple heading for a romantic weekend at our B&B. Driving a brand new low-slung BMW, they got stuck in a snow drift. They eventually turned up wild eyed and shaken, two hours late for dinner.

Things usually come in threes and the third

On the croft, a more hopeful romance has developed since we re-homed a neighbour’s rooster. The handsome cockerel couldn’t believe his luck when he woke up on a perch next to twelve curious hens. He’ll not have it that easy though, as they are full size chickens while he’s a little Pekin bantam. On day one they didn’t let him near the corn hopper till they’d had their fill, but a week in and he’s king of the roost. On our croft, you know Spring’s on the way when you find a ‘double yolker’. It’s a giant egg with attitude. Our chickens tend to start the season with some experiments, as if they need to have a few tries at getting the process right. This always leads to a couple of comedy eggs that look like they belong to a dinosaur. Anyone finding one skips home triumphantly because they are fantastic for baking. We only get about four of them before the chucks get into the swing of producing standard eggs, so

The next day there was a knock on our door

I hope I’m lucky when I head out to the hen

from a man needing to call out a recovery

house today.

The Heartland Buzz

“We aim to educate people about Gundog Breeds prior to taking them on and are often called to discuss people’s suitablilty in owning one of these intelligent working bred dogs.”

Perthshire Gundog Rescue Perthshire Gundog Rescue is an organisation, run by Carol Begg, that has been set up to help rescue Gundogs and Gundog Breeds. The Rescue is committed to the welfare of all dogs that come into PGR care and endeavours to make a positive contribution to their lives, no matter what their circumstances. PGR works with and rehomes rescue dogs according to their individual needs. This could be a pet working bred dog going on to become an active working Gundog, or a dog who has possibly failed as a Gundog for whatever reason and will be matched up and rehomed into a suitable active pet home. We caught up with Carol to find out a lit-

The Heartland Buzz

tle more about the Gundog Rescue and

spurred me on to help other dogs in

how dog lovers could help support her

their memory, to help those without a

cause.

voice. My other motivation was to help

How long has PGR been going? I officially started the rescue four years ago but have been rescuing dogs since I was 15/16 years of age, so 30 years ago now. Golly am I that old LOL. What motivated you to set it up? My motivation to officially start the rescue was the tragic deaths of two of my young Labradors, one at seven months old and the other at two years old. This

people who were struggling with their dogs to further their training and better understanding of gundog breeds, so they didn’t have to end up re-homing them. How many dogs have you helped/ how many are with you just now?

I have lost count of the number of dogs I have helped, both in rehabilitating dogs and rehoming them and helping owners with their dogs. I have three rescues in

at present and another due in tomorrow. All the rescue dogs live with me in my own home, I don’t use kennels UNLESS it’s of benefit in the rehabilitation of an individual dog. Are some of the dogs quite vulnerable and nervous?

We have had a number of dogs who have been nervous, but time spent with me and my dogs they soon come out of

tive and this can be mistaken when taken into rescue as a dog that has been badly treated, however it soon becomes obvious that they are a naturally sensitive dog. Time/love and socialisation soon help them overcome this, however some dogs will be forever sensitive so it is my job to make sure they get the right home that will benefit in continuing to bring them out their shell and allowing

What next for PGR? Are you well supported locally?

What’s next for PGR, well I’d love there to be a day that we don’t need to have dog rescues, but sadly it’s not something I will see the end of in my lifetime and the reason for that is a completely different topic all together. I will continue to help those out there that need my help, whether that’s to rehome their dogs or to work with them to help them

their shells. We haven’t really had vul-

them to thrive.

nerable dogs come into rescue, but we

Do you shoot or beat and how many

promote game foods and game cook-

a day?

training and any other shooting related

have had a fair few with special needs/ aggression issues and health problems. Do you often have no idea what the

dogs have been through, making care or training difficult?

No matter what I know, and what I don’t know about a dog, after spending time with me they soon tell me their own story, I have worked with dogs for so long now I naturally know how to further their training, each dog is individually catered for and like humans they are treated as individuals. Describe the feeling when a nervy dog responds in training? How do

you start them off and progress them?

Many dogs nowadays are born sensi-

The Heartland Buzz

PGR dogs will you take with you on

I shoot, beat and pick up, I have 10 dogs of my own and work six of them, three cockers (two of which are my rescue’s) and three Labs (one of which is one of my rescues). I have taken many rescue dogs who are living with me out on shoots if I think they have the potential to be a working gundog or have indeed been a working gundog. However this is only after I have worked with them in training. I will take as many as I can get in my Trans K9 dog box on any one day. Rescue dogs are taken to shoots so I can assess them in a live situation and I am very lucky to be allowed to do so.

keep their dogs, I will also continue to ing/the shooting way of life, the gundog topic. I will also continue to run the many events I organise to get others involved. We have a massive support on our Facebook page and without that I couldn’t run the rescue as well as I do. I also am supported well by Mordor Gundogs/ Trans K9. I run the rescue with my partner from home and it works well like that. Do you miss the dogs when they go and do you ever stay in touch?

I break my heart every time one of my rescues goes to their new home as they become such a huge part of my life, but

Rehoming one of our dogs. If you are interested in rehoming one of our rescue dogs please complete our rehoming form found on our website. Our rescue dogs are matched to the most suitable home after a various checks are carried out and passed.

I know what pleasure my dogs give me so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a comfort to know I have done my ground work to match them up with the perfect new home and for that I can only be happy. It is also fabulous to see

Surrendering a dog to Perthshire Gundog Rescue.

some of my rescues going on the thrive

If you are considering rehoming

as gundogs in the shooting field. People

your dog for whatever reason please

keep me posted on how they are getting on from time to time which is fabulous. How would someone go about of-

fering a home to one or more of the dogs?

The first step is to complete a new home form, this can be found on our website www.perthgundogrescue.com It should

To find out more about Perthshire

be filled out with as much detail and in-

Gundog Rescue or to make a much

formation as possible as this gives me a good idea about what type of dog would be best suited to them. Then should a dog come in that I think would be a good match I will contact them.

needed and appreciated donation to the rescue you can visit www.perthgundogrescue.com

You can find Perthshire Gundog Res-

cue on Facebook, where there are daily updates, news and a whole bunch of gundog images!

Photography by www.yellowdogphotography.co.uk

The Heartland Buzz

If you have a fundraising idea then please do get in touch.

Jane Grimley from Kenmore, a mountaineer and member of the Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team runs the John Muir Trust’s Wild Space Visitor Centre in Pitlochry.

pril 2013 was an event-

and from every continent of the globe.

ful month for the John

And almost everyone who comes in

Muir Trust. We com-

leaves Wild Space with just a little bit

memorated the 175th

more understanding of the great scenic

has grown from its

anniversary

John

landscapes of Scotland, from Highland

Muir, the Scots-born founding father of

Perthshire to the Hebrides, from the

opening less than two

the modern conservation movement af-

Cairngorms to Cape Wrath.

Here Jane explains how the visitor centre

years ago into a major

ter whom the charity is named. And we launched what was, for us, an exciting

across the Atlantic at the age of ten, and

tourist hub in Highland

new venture.

Perthshire.

Back then, we could never be sure

homeland for his vivid nature writing

whether our new visitor centre would

and impressive political campaigning,

soar like an eagle or sink like a stone. But

which led to the creation of a chain of

two years on, we can say, hand on heart,

spectacular national parks and protect-

that Wild Space has been a resounding

ed wilderness areas across the United

success. Since that glorious spring day

States. American visitors to Pitlochry are

when acclaimed landscape photogra-

invariably intrigued to discover a visitor

pher Colin Prior cut the ribbon, over

centre in the town dedicated to the man

60,000 people – more than 100 a day

whose picture sits in the California Hall

– have streamed through the entrance.

of Fame alongside Walt Disney, Barbara

They have come from every part of Scotland, from every region of the UK

John Muir himself sailed to a new life

The Heartland Buzz

became a national hero in his adopted

Streisand and Steve Jobs.

Images: (Top) The Wild Space Visitors Centre in the heart of Pitlochry, (Bottom left) Jane Grimley with BBC Radio Scotland Out of Doors presenter Mark Stephen.

Wild Space however, is dedicated to

The highlight for many visitors is a view-

the great scenic landscapes and charis-

ing of the heart-achingly beautiful film,

matic wildlife of Muir’s native land. The

Essential Wildness, displayed on a spe-

interior is elegantly crafted out of na-

cial split-screen mini-cinema. As well as

tive wood and other natural materials,

being a magnet for tourists, Wild Space

and adorned with dramatic landscape

has also become an important cultural

and wildlife images shot by some of

hub for local people. We sell a unique

Scotland’s most accomplished photog-

selection of books about nature, ecol-

raphers.

ogy and land, from classic writers such

The story of Scotland’s wildest places is also told through film and audio. Visitors can evoke the sounds and sights of the Skye coastline, the Knoydart peninsula, Sandwood Bay in the far North West,

as Neil Gunn, Seton Gordon, Nan Shepherd and Tom Weir through to contem-

Wild Space also hosts regular talks and book signings by some of Scotland’s greatest nature writers. And this month, on Friday 20 March, it will be the venue for a civic reception put on by Perth and Kinross Council to celebrate two recent success of the John Muir Trust: delivering its 100,000th John Muir Award conservation certificate in Scotland, and winning the UK-wide Outdoor Campaigner of the Year accolade presented

porary authors such as Jim Crumley,

by the TGO magazine.

Kathleen Jamie and Robert MacFarlane

Wild Space is not just for the visitors, it’s

and Linda Cracknell.

and the summit of Ben Nevis, by putting

Part of the visitor centre – the Alan Reece

on a set of headphones and listening to

gallery, which commemorates one of

four wonderfully narrated audio jour-

the original funders of project – is de-

neys. These were recorded on four of

voted to a regularly changing exhibition

the seven properties owned and man-

of paintings or photographs celebrating

aged by the Trust (the others are Schie-

landscape and wildlife from both estab-

hallion in the heart of Perthshire, Quinag

lished and lesser known artists.

also for local people. So please drop in anytime to browse our books and merchandise, check out our latest art exhibition or chat with our staff about the John Muir Trust. There’s always something new to see, and everyone is welcome!

in Assynt and Glenlude in the Scottish Borders).

Wild Space Visitor Centre John Muir Trust, Tower House, Station Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5AN T. 01796 470 080 E. admin@jmt.org

The Heartland Buzz

Honest Thistle is a contemporary gifts, homewares, accessories and stationery shop based in Pitlochry.

on Facebo

histle Honest T

A. Ondine Smith – Tweed Make-Up Bag £30

A graduate of the Edinburgh College of Art, Ondine designs and produces cushions, phone covers, tea &

C. Julia Smith Ceramics – Wall Clock £49.50 Julia creates her beautiful and

coffee cosies and purses using soft tweeds. She hand-

modern ceramics in her studio

makes her products in Edinburgh. Her creativity gives

in Ardesier. A graduate of the

these traditional fabrics a contemporary twist.

Glasgow School of Art, Julia is inspired by the space and peace of

B. Juniper & Jane – Jaggy Thistle Napkins (set of 4) £40

her studio and its surroundings.

sign-led textile, home and giftware company who are

D. Eleanor Barron – Heart Pendent £48.00

based in South West Scotland. Their love of exploring

Jewellery designer Eleanor Bar-

These napkins are free-hand embroidered by this de-

the stunning Scottish countryside and its natural herit-

ron graduated from the Glasgow

age inspires their ideas and designs.

School of Art with a BA (Hons) in Silversmithing & Jewellery Design. Eleanor has been making her creations for over 20 years,

inspired by the surrounding nature and small details in architecture as seen on her travels around Europe. Honest Thistle, 73B Atholl Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5BL.

01796 472 242

E. info@honestthistle.co.uk www.honestthistle.co.uk 42

The Heartland Buzz

COST EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING FROM £10* E. BertyB - Bag £65 This bag is created from Scottish linen,

features fair-trade Scottish leather straps and is hand printed by the maker BertyB. A pattern maker at heart, BertyB is influenced by the post second world war textile movement and Scandinavian design.

F. Anna Wright Illustration – Mug £13 Anna is an artist

and illustrator. Her upbringing, in Dumfriesshire, introduced her to flora and fauna, which alongside her love of interiors, fabrics and wallpaper have shaped her work. Since exploring these influences at Edinburgh College of Art, Anna has grown her trademark style of colour and humour.

G. Paper Snapdragon – Skye From The Bealach Na Ba, Applecross. Limited Edition Framed Print £96

Cath Waters is a photographer and digital artist who lives in

central Scotland. Her inspiration for her beautiful prints comes from Scotland’s empty windswept beaches, vast cloudy skies

are offering cost effective advertising options for small businesses. Advertise in The Heartland Buzz Business Directory section from only £10 per month*. You will get a dedicated spot for advertising with the following:

Business Name

Description (150 Characters)

Our talented designers

Contact Details

and makers have been

Web Address

and contrasting light of the coastline.

As from next month we

selected for their skill, expertise and passion for their specific products.

Interested? Get in touch or see our rate card at the back of this magazine for more information. M 07414 242 447

* £12 + VAT or £10 + VAT / 3 months block booking.

The Heartland Buzz

NEWS, SPORTS & EVENTS

and the throwing of the first jack, be-

joining the Club will always be made

fore playing an opening friendly match

welcome.

to get the season underway. New members will be made very welcome. Annual memberships cost just £40 for adults and £35 for seniors (over 55yrs). Junior memberships are free for the first year and £10 thereafter. The first rink night takes place on

ABERFELDY & DISTRICT GAELIC CHOIR

ollowing a very successful year, which saw Aberfeldy & District Gaelic Choir again win the Mar-

grat Duncan Trophy at the Royal National Mod, the Choir is preparing for this year’s event in Oban. Members meet on Monday evenings at 7:30pm within the Town Hall, Crieff Road, Aberfeldy and new members are always welcome.

Tuesday 7th April, with the first friendly against Rattray Bowling Club at Aberfeldy on Sunday 12th April. President Anne Woolley said “We are looking forward to getting back on to the green and, hopefully, enjoying another successful bowling season. The Club is always keen to welcome new

on 01887 820217 or come along any Monday evening. Knowledge of Gaelic or an ability to sight read music are not

duce yourself. Despite winning the Division Two League title last summer, the Club decided not to accept promotion into the next tier and will continue playing in the Division Two Southern region this year. The longer distances to travel, the necessity to play on Saturdays and the importance of Junior development were all factors that swayed the Committee against accepting promotion. The Club have twelve league fixtures,

anyone interested to come along and

this summer, as well as participating in

join us.”

two Knock out Cup competitions. Full

Further information on the Club can be found at www.aberfeldybowlingclub.co.uk.

details will be available soon, so please watch this space. There will be plenty of Junior Cricket too, with weekly coaching sessions tak-

BREADALBANE CRICKET CLUB

ing place on Thursday afternoons and

Kwik Cricket Festival on 24th May.

t’s a busy time of year for all

the Club hosting the regional schools

So, as the club begins it’s 146th year

is almost upon us. Time, once

the support of the local community

again, to dust off those whites and

will, as always, be much appreciated.

emerge blinking from the dark winter

Consequently, if you feel so inclined,

nights, as preparations begin for the

why not spend a sunny Sunday after-

arch dates for Bingo will be

cricketing summer here in Highland

noon in Victoria Park enjoying the

9th and 23rd and the weekly

Perthshire.

game?

With the clocks going forward, bring-

We look forward to seeing you.

PITLOCHRY BOWLING CLUB

whist will continue on Tues-

days - both 7.30pm start. The Annual Winter Bowling, Darts and Dominoes night for Pitlochry and Blair Atholl British Legion will be held on Saturday

ing with it the lighter (and hopefully warmer) nights, outdoor practicing can begin in earnest.

WHITE WATER RAFTING FUNDRAISING EVENT

28th March in the Clubhouse, starting

Following the triumphs of 2014, eve-

at 7.00pm prompt. Donations to the

ryone at the Club is hoping for an

Raffle welcome.

equally successful and positive 2015.

n Sunday the 26th of April 2015 the fundraising team are holding a rafting event at

The team won the Perthshire Indoor

Freespirits, Grandtully in aid of Bread-

For further information contact Elma

League in 2014 and followed by win-

albane and Strathtay Football Club.

Spence Secretary on 01796 473459.

ning the Strathmore Cricket Union

We need brave teams of eight to ten

ABERFELDY BOWLING CLUB

he 2015 season at Aberfeldy Bowling Club is due to commence on Saturday 4th April.

All members are invited to come along at 2:30pm for the opening ceremony

absence, please come along and intro-

things cricket, as the new season

necessary.

to the game or returning after a long

members and I extend an invitation to

If you are a singer and are interested in joining the Choir, contact John Duff

So, if you are new to the area, new

The Heartland Buzz

Division 2 title in the summer.

people per raft to compete at a cost of

Outdoor Practice (known as “nets”)

£25 per adult/£20 per child (up to age

will take place in Victoria Park, Ab-

16). Min. of two adults per raft and no

erfeldy every Tuesday and Thursday

all child rafts.

from April until the end of August.

We also require three or four volun-

Sessions start at 6pm until dusk. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or ability and anyone who is interested in

teers to help with the organising of the hall, food, etc. so anyone who doesn’t

feel like getting wet (and you will) this

see local athletes in action at Grandtul-

Holmes was crowned J18 Scottish Wild

will be perfect for you.

ly on the weekend of 21st and 22nd,

Water Racing (WWR) Champion. Cal-

followed by the Aberfeldy competition

lum MacEachan won his J14 age cat-

at the slalom centre on the weekend of

egory at the Grandtully sprint race on

the 25th & 26th April. For those of you

the same day as well at the Thistlebrigg

who are unable to see these events first

WWR on Sunday 22nd February.

For parents who have younger children who cannot raft we will be organising something footbally at the hall whilst parents raft. Further information about the timings for the day will be sent out once numbers/teams are confirmed. All names/ teams and enquiries please contact me by end of March.

a future issue of The Heartland Buzz. While the Club has been busy with a full training programme, so too are the local athletes who are part of the Scottish Canoe Association programme.

Soup, sandwiches & hot drinks free for

Working with their new coach Lukas

competitors and a raffle will be held at

Giertl they are getting ready for their

the event. Any donations welcome!

first competition in March at the Lee

So get your teams organised and make

Valley course, built specifically for the

this a great fundraising day. For further information contact 01796 482241, 07734 803748 or email carolyne.moran@btinternet.com

London 2012 Olympics. Lukas has recently moved into Aberfeldy, is from Slovakia and has coached there as well as China and then Taipei before mov-

Congratulations to them both, starting the season in winning form.

LABRADOR RETRIEVER RESCUE SCOTLAND

e will be in the Thrift Shop, Aberfeldy from 5th - 11th April 2015.

This is a wonderful charity that rescues, rehabilitates, fosters and rehomes Labrador and Retriever dogs throughout Scotland. Any donations of unwanted goods would be much ap-

ing to Scotland.

preciated during that week.

BREADALBANE CANOE CLUB READY FOR 2015 SEASON!

STOP PRESS! BREADALBANE JUNIOR SUCCESS AT SCOTTISH WILD WATER RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Thank you for your support. For fur-

On Saturday 21st February, Aaron

ith support from Sportscotland and the Gannochy Trust, Breadalbane Canoe

Club have been able to appoint a part time coach; Steve Macdonald. Steve brings a wealth of experience to the club, particularly in the discipline of canoe slalom. It is within the slalom section of the Club that Steve is working as Talent Pathway Manager. Steve started in early November, right at the beginning of the winter training programme and has coached all the Breadalbane junior slalom athletes and paddlers each week in the pool, in the gym and, for the older groups, on the river at the Aberfeldy Slalom Site, which the Club where able to develop with support from Griffin Windfarm/ SSE. As well as training at Aberfeldy, the Club have made use of Grandtully and Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first artificial white water course at Pinkston in Glasgow. As the daylight begins to stretch out towards the spring, so thoughts are naturally turning to the competition season. March will be the first opportunity to

hand, full results will be published in

The Heartland Buzz

ther enquiries please contact us on 01887 830805.

DAUGHTER OF THE STAG

Now for something completely different!

Last year in May I was a 33 year old re-

that my best friend died, followed by the

tail worker. My days consisted of 5.30am

passing of my granny not long after. My

starts, unpacking hundreds of boxes

granny had such a massive influence on

and daydreaming. I was working hard

me growing up, she had me convinced

and never had any free time. Things

fairies lived in the trees and I would find

were just beyond beige and repetitive,

one if I looked long enough. Believe me

some days I wasn’t sure what day of the

I looked a lot. I would sit for hours as a

week it was.

child in the garden, looking at bugs and

I’d left school at 16, with the goal to become an artist, moved into my first

look to this day.

apartment in Dundee, with no windows,

After my year of painting at college I was

in a basement and started college with

offered a position at ECA, but I failed to

the aim to eventually seal a place at Ed-

make it into the painting course. I was

inburgh College of Art. It was the only

devastated. Reassessing, I went with my

subject I was ever interested in and luck-

second subject, tailoring. I studied tai-

ily one I wasn’t too bad at!

loring for four years, not knowing that

As a child growing up, born in Perth, I had a typically ordinary childhood with two sisters and a brother, mum Anne and father John. It wasn’t until I hit 14

worms on my quest to find a fairy! I still

The Heartland Buzz

years later combining sewing and painting would become my trademark. After I graduated from university I went back into retail and found myself lost with no focus.

After two years of working two jobs I packed a backpack, convinced my best friend to join me and off we set for ad-

WANT FEATURED IN OUR MAGAZINE? CONTACT US TODAY!

venture. In a weird way I always felt like I had to live and see more in life to honour the death of my childhood best friend and granny. What started off as a summer of work in Spain turned into a four year wake up call. Instead of a girlie holiday, we were better suited with bulletproof vests and malaria tablets entering third world countries. Thailand opened up my eyes to serious issues such as sex trafficking, child labour and boy soldiers. It was quite unbelievable to see people live in such squalor and really puts life into perspective and what we take so much for granted. I cried a lot in Thailand, but it really made me grow up fast. I was held at knife point by a man who had broken into our apartment one night. He seriously injured my friend, which was the most horrific thing I’ve ever witnessed. He took all our money and jewellery. She survived and slowly recovered, but it changed something in us that has forevermore made us look at life as short, very precious and unpredictable. We decided to take action and change our circumstances. Rather than dwell on what was past, we carried on as before, took five weeks to drive the length of Australia along the dog fence, washing in hot springs in the desert, working on orange farms and horse ranches, taking work wherever we could to survive. Being bitten by spiders the size of your hand, meeting the people who live un-

“You only get one life and I believe your time is really precious, so you should get busy doing what you want to do before its gone.”

derground in Coober Pedy because it’s too hot to live on the surface, swimming the great barrier reef, living in the car and tents, fighting off emus for our dinner and running from wild kangaroos every time we went to the toilet. I guess painting for me is really just that it’s a place I can be totally free, safe and happy, remembering all of these memories. Plus it makes other people happy. I love hearing the stories behind every painting, as its all relates back to happy times or people.

The Heartland Buzz

HELPING CREATIVES STAY CREATIVE!

Fast forward to May last year. After years of working in retail jobs and still struggling to get my artwork noticed, I became very unwell. So much so I ended up in hospital unable to breath. Pleurisy was the final step for me I’d lost two stone and was so weak I quit my job for good. I wanted to change my life. I set myself a challenge on Facebook, 30 paintings in 30 days. Initially it was just something to keep me busy while I figured out my next move. Little did I know it was my next move. I sold all 30. I’ve never looked back. I’m currently on number 187 and I’m now selling my work all over the world. More than anything I’ve found what I was looking for, happiness. The two most important things in life are time and people. As they are the two things you can’t ever get back. When they are gone, they’re gone. For the first time ever I feel like both are finally in sync Painting is the only thing I ever wanted to do and should never have given up on. You only get one life and I believe your time is really precious. So you should get busy doing what you want to do before its’ gone. My name is Daughter Of The Stag.

The Heartland Buzz

You can find Daughter Of The Stag on Facebook or email beverley1981@hotmail.com

The Heartland Buzz

Winterwatch Highland Safari Diary

s winter snows often block off the higher roads we concentrate our land rover safaris in the Forests of

the Tay Forest Park. Living within these woods is a huge array of animals and Birdlife. But because the forests are so large you need to know where to look and even then nature does not always behave, but then thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s half the fun. The anticipation of what might be around the next corner. Often when wildlife is in short supply we rely on signs of animals and their telltale marks and tracks. At this time of year red squirrels, the acrobats of the natural world have built their nests or drays high in the trees, with the moss and lichen lining they make a snug home from which to foray

The Heartland Buzz

for cashes of food, which were collected earlier. Apart from hunger and the cold they must also look out for an even more agile acrobat, the pine martin, once very rare but now a common forager of the forest. Other forest wildlife that feeds in the trees is the Scottish crossbill. These fun little birds are often known as the Scottish parrot, with their bright plumage and their habit of feeding whilst hanging upside down. Cones eaten by them have a very distinctive shape as their `crossed` bills have ripped out the seeds. As food becomes scarce in the hills the red fox will often search lower down for rabbits and carrion. On a snowy day their distinctive tracks are easy to follow

and as January comes in if you listen at night you will often hear the blood curling scream of a vixen searching for a mate. The red deer through this time feed on the lower slopes or, if they are lucky, live in a wood where the feeding is abundant. Signs of deer include tracks, wallows and tree rubbing. The deer have other adaptations to let them cope with the winter, one being that their stomachs contract so that they do not need to eat so much and another the pregnant females foetus hardly grows until the spring when food is more abundant, thus allowing the hind to look after herself. By Donald Riddell

The Scottish Woodland Skills Centre he Scottish Woodland Skills

community and corporate groups and

all local experts from the East Perthshire

Centre is a social enter-

adventure days for teenagers during the

area and courses will be taught to suit

prise organisation based

school holidays. It also works with volun-

your ability and level of experience.

a few miles North West of

teers and offers work opportunities and

Alyth, Perthshire, in an idyllic rural set-

training for young unemployed people

ting. It is run by Clive Bowman and Dick

through its woodland management side

Craig, local craftsmen and woodland &

of the business.

tree contractors.

built off grid training shed, grass activity space (also used for camping), compost toilet and ample car parking.

Courses are fun, informative, hands

It offers vocational craft and woodland

on, practical and creative, teaching you

skills courses most weekends through-

the correct techniques, methods and

out the year to the general public and

use of appropriate hand tools needed

bespoke mid-week activities for family,

for particular woodland crafts. Tutors are

The Heartland Buzz

All facilities are on site, with a purpose

The Scottish Woodland Skills Centre is part of Community treeCycle Community Interest Company www.communitytreecycle.co.uk. This is the working

Find Us On Facebook Scottish Woodland Skills Centre

scottishwoodlandskillscentre.co.uk

OUR FULL COURSE LIST CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE

Upcoming Courses 3-5th April Longbow Making Weekend £150 for 3 days 7-9th April Easter Teenage Outdoor Adventure Days £25 per day 14 & 15th April Half Day Family Activity Drop In Sessions From £10 per person 25-26th April Make A Shavehorse Weekend £140 incl. all materials 2-3rd May Green Wood Furniture Making £125 incl. all materials 7th May Tree Climbing Techniques £25 17th May Introduction To Green Woodworking £50 30th May Woodland Management £50 31st May Bowl Carving £50 6th June Wood Carving Techniques £50 7th June Spoon Carving £50 20th June Chainsaw Use & Maintenance For The Home User £50 side of the social enterprise business

firewood? Any knotty bits too tough to

run by Clive Bowman. It offers an afford-

chop are used in the 5ft steel ring kiln to

able and professional woodland man-

make BBQ charcoal. Chainsaw chips are

agement and tree surgery service to the

used for smoking fish, spread on paths,

general public and local landowners,

and used in the compost toilet. Charcoal

selling processed firewood, kindling

dust is sold as biochar.

and BBQ charcoal made on site. Recycling and utilising waste resources

local volunteer Tools For Self Reliance

is a key theme for Community treeCy-

Group www.tfsr.org. Old unwanted

cle. All wood brought onto site from

Community treeCycle also hosts the

hand tools are collected at Council Recy-

tree jobs is used. Firstly is it suitable for

cling Centres or on request from houses

craft work or construction? If not then

and volunteers renovate them, sending

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the best to the Charity HQ in England, where they are collected and sorted into specialist tool kits for a range of trades and shipped off to Africa. Here they are given to establishing businesses with training. Contact Clive for more information about courses, activities or volunteering. Telephone/text 07580778700 or email clive@communitytreecycle.co.uk

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would recommend him to anyone” Mrs B. Perth

The Heartland Buzz

Set in beautiful Strathbraan close to Dunkeld, Aberfeldy and Crieff, Scottish Quads is Perthshire’s most centrally located quad biking centre. With a fleet of over 50 quad bikes, treks to suit all abilities and having more than 1000 acres of farmland as your playground the possibilities are endless. In addition to quad biking treks the company boasts a fantastic clay pigeon shooting range with stunning views of Strathbraan. Guns and cartridges and of course the clays themselves are all included. Whether you are a group of friends looking for an adventurous day out, a family who want to try something new, a corporate team or a hen or stag group ready to take it to the max; Scottish Quads can tailor make your day of fun. Whilst quad biking, you will be guided by a qualified LANTRA instructor over terrain which includes steep inclines, rocky descents, water splashes and dirty ditches. Quads, clays, white water rafting, canyoning, paintball and more. The knowledgeable Scottish Quads team can create multi activity days to suit all ages and abilities. Water activities start from age eight and quad and clay pigeon activities start from age twelve. For more information visit our website, telephone 0845 260 1745 or pop in to the office in the centre of Dunkeld.

www.scottishquads.co.uk 55

The Heartland Buzz

COACH

HOUSE FLOWERS

Talking flowers with the owner of Coach House Flowers, Emma Harvey.

y love of flowers started at the age of 14 when my mum suggested a saturday job in the local florist and this sounded much more

appealing than the usual pot washing. I can remember my friends coming to meet me for lunch and waving an open lily in their face and saying “smell this, can you believe it?” I’m not sure they got it. I loved that first job and it carried on and off throughout my teenage years until I decided to move to Glasgow for a taste of the city. Here I studied TV and film make up art and flat shared and enjoyed student life to the full. It was hard to get paid TV and film work after college and I was never very good at waiting for anything to happen. At the age of 21, as always seems to be the way, my impatience won and I opened GRACE, my first beautiful little flower shop. That first year we worked so hard, 4am starts

The Scottish VOWS Awards 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2014 Nominee. The Scottish VOWS Awards Winner 2013. The Scottish Wedding Awards Florist Of The Year 2015.

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and late finishes, determined to make it a success. I didn’t mind one bit, I knew it was all worth it and appreciated how self employment worked, as I had always admired my parents working hard for themselves.

“The scent of a flower shop is like no other. I found this out at a very early age and I think if I ever gave up working with flowers I might be found hovering at the door of flower shops to get my fix.”

A few large hotels and clients took no-

piece is the weight of a small child and

control. My idealistic idea of doing a few

tice and soon we were supplying many

needs carried up three flights of stairs to

small weddings in the country now and

throughout the city and creating dis-

get to the function suite. Take a look at

then has escalated somewhat.

plays that got people talking. This car-

busy florists hands and you’ll see!!

ried on for 10 busy years combining hard work and great times with our long standing friends, many of which had also moved from Perthshire to Glasgow for study and careers. After my first son Benjamin came along I knew a move back to Perthshire to bring him up wasn’t far away. Myself, my husband and Benjamin moved back in 2008 and Coach House Flowers was born. Two years later along came Jamie. Coming home opened new doors and new friends and our family is definitely suited to the country life, we’ve always loved outdoors more than indoors. I think people have the wrong impressions of being a florist. I usually say its 80% complete hard graft and muck, 20% actually arranging flowers. I joke that people think we just stand around playing with pretty things, we do, but only 20% of the time! With weddings especially, the attention to detail is crucial. Every vase cleaned and shined before you even think about popping a flower

Award Florist Of The Year 2013 and only

evolve and it’s no different with flowers.

this month we have been awarded The

With that being said I think I’ve settled

Scottish Wedding Awards Florist Of The

on just loving flowers and letting their

Year 2015. Myself and my two amazing

beauty speak for themselves, can’t stand

florists Karen and Christina, who I really

fussy overworked arrangements.

enjoy working alongside, had the huge

I couldn’t imagine not working with flowers. Each week when a new delivery of fresh stock arrives I still get excited, the

100 weddings in 2014 alongside hotel work, bouquet deliveries and funerals. Now, with over 20 years working with

of flowers. Each season brings differ-

flowers there is still something new to

ent new loves, the amarylis in winter,

learn everyday, no two days the same,

the paper whites in spring, the peonies

no two weddings the same. One minute

mid summer and the berries in autumn,

I can meet a bride having a huge cas-

always something to be excited about

tle wedding and the next having a tipis

and eager to work with.

wedding in a field. Its just wonderful and

I love how we have this natural seasonal change dictating how we work creative-

I feel incredibly lucky to feel that way about my job.

ly, just as we are ending a winter wed-

We are really warmed by how our little

ding season full of frosty Narnia style

business has grown locally and pleased

weddings we bounce into a wonderful

that although we work from a tucked

colourful hugely scented spell of spring

away studio rather than a high street

weddings. Each season just perfect in

shop we seem to be just as busy.”

length not to get too fed up before the next change.

checked and heavy buckets heaved here

The future for Coach House flowers is

20 table wedding, where each centre-

pleasure of designing the flowers for

smell hits you as you open each wrap

in it and each flower conditioned and and there. Not to mention setting up a

A highlight was winning The Vows

As with everything, styles and fashions

looking great if not a little unstoppable. At the moment, it’s beautifully out of

With everything going so well what’s next? Coach House Flowers Floristry School maybe? ”Why not, I would love to teach passionate people and share my great love”.

The Coach House, Grandtully, Perthshire, PH9 0PL t: 0787 655 6713 e: info@coachhouseflowers.com www.coachhouseflowers.com

The Heartland Buzz

BIRNAM

Autopoint

For the last 19 years father and son team James and Jamie

you would expect from a long established family business

Dalgliesh have built an enviable reputation for selling

and the same facilities you would get at a main dealer,

good quality and well prepared 4x4s. Birnam Autopoint

including well know finance and warranty partners. As ap-

is now established as “the” name to choose when looking

proved dealers for Black Horse Motor Finance they pro-

for a 4x4 in Highland Perthshire.

vide a variety of options for funding your new vehicle and

As James is now approaching retirement, this year will see some big changes on their site in the village of Birnam.

extended warranties are provided by the RAC warranty company.

The green light has now been given for a new develop-

“In 2015 we also plan to offer a more proactive vehicle

ment of four houses on part of the site which will reduce

sourcing service for people who know what they want as a

the size of their vehicle display area.

new car or 4x4 but don’t want the hassle of trailing around

“We no longer need such a big forecourt space for all

main dealers trying to find the right one”

our vehicles for sale, as our website allows customers to

If you’re looking for a clean and reliable 4x4 come to

view all our stock in detail with up to 20 high quality pic-

the family business you can trust. If Birnam Autopoint

tures for each car and all the relevant information about

don’t have what you are looking for contact Jamie on

features, service history and condition. The internet has

01350 727 223 or email jamie@birnamautopoint.

allowed the majority of customers to do their research from the comfort of their own home and then make an appointment for a test drive and hopefully finalise a deal”

co.uk

Visit the Birnam Autopoint website for full details of what they have in stock at the moment

They will still provide the high levels of customer service

topoint.co.uk.

58 RANGE ROVER TDV8 VOGUE

11 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 1.9 DDIS SZ5

£19,995

£12,995

Zermatt Silver, Black Leather, Side Steps, Rev. Camera,

Quasar Grey, Black Leather, Heated Seats, Bluetooth,

09 DISCOVERY 3 TDV6 SE AUTO

11 MITSUBISHI L200 BARBARIAN

Sunroof, Privacy, SAT NAV, Xenon’s, 19” Alloys.

£16,995

Zermatt Silver, Colour Coded, Black Leather, 7 Seats,

Privacy Glass, 18” Alloys.

£13,995 + VAT

White, Black Leather, SAT NAV, Reversing

Sat Nav, Bluetooth, 18” Alloys & General Grabber Tyres.

Camera, Colour Coded Canopy, Bedrug, Side Steps.

61 HYUNDAI IX35 2.0 CRDi PREMIUM 4X4 £14,995

06 MINI COOPER

Grey Metallic, ½ Black Leather, Panoramic Roof, Blue Tooth, Heated Seats, 18” Alloys, 15,000mls.

59 BMW X1 X-DRIVE 2.0D SE AUTO

£13,995

Marakesh Brown, Red Leather, Bluetooth, 17” Alloys,

60 VOLVO XC90 D5 ACTIVE AUTO

Black Leather, Air Con, 17” Alloys, FSH, 65,000mls.

61 VAUXHALL ANTARA 2.2 CTDI EXCLUSIVE £10,995 4x4, Silver, ½ Black Leather, Privacy, 18” Alloys, 1 Owner

£13,995

Black Met, ½ Leather, 7 Seats, Cruise, Privacy, Rear PDC, 4 x Winter Tyres, Aux Input, Roof Rails.

T. 01350 727 223

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£4,650

Pure Silver, Black Roof, Chilli Pack, Sport Seats, Half

Full BMW History, 47,000mls.

www.birnamau-

E. jamie@birnamautopoint.co.uk

www.birnamautopoint.co.uk

£2 7, 99 5

RANGE ROVER SPORT HSE This stunning 2009 Range Rover Sport HSE has the

3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel engine producing 245BHP and is good for towing up to 3.5 tonnes. The HSE model has a great specification, including heated seats for front & rear passengers, heated windscreen, satellite navigation and even a 4 camera surround option to help when manoeuvring. Finished in Zermatt Silver with Full Black Leather, Birnam Autopoint has also just fitted new side steps and privacy glass to it. •

45,000 miles

•

Full service history

•

12 month RAC dealer guarantee

www.birnamautopoint.co.uk

The Heartland Buzz

Masai Genesis Tunic £67.00

Masai Jaclyn Jacket £89.00

Masai Padanda Trousers £101.00

The Heartland Buzz

Marco Tozzi Black Heels £34.99

Remonte Navy Boots £69.99

Fly London coral sandals

BYoung Marley Jumper

£79.99

£49.99

BYoung Jeans £49.99

Square Feet Seasalt Seafolly Jacket £89.99

The Square, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2DD T: E:

01887 822811

info@squarefeetaberfeldy.co.uk

FB: Square Feet Aberfeldy

www.wedresswomen.com

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Noa Womenswear

13 Bridge End, Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2DF T: E:

01887 820257

info@noaaberfeldy.co.uk

FB: Noa Aberfeldy

Looking to advertise in our next issue? Our advertising prices are both transparent and competitive. We also offer discounted prices for advanced 3 month block bookings. Alongside our standard advertising we also offer flyer packages at great prices. All our packages are designed, printed and packaged alongside our magazine

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and delivered direct to homes and businesses.

OUR ADVERTISING RATES ARE BELOW BEST QR PAGE FORMAT

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BEST HALF PAGE FORMAT

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Although we offer a free advert design service, it is up to

We offer a free, professional design service for every ad-

Cancellation fees apply for all advertising. Prices subject

you, the client who purchases the advert, to supply any

vert purchased. If you are supplying your own artwork,

to change without further notice.

content and imagery. We are able to source imagery* at

adverts should be prepared to the correct dimensions

cost to the client.

with bleed if required. All artwork should be sent as a

In the event of adverts requiring more attention due to the amount of content, imagery required and time spent creating an advert the client will be notified before commencing. In this case it is the responsibility of The Heart-

high quality PDF 300dpi CMYK and emailed to hello@ heartlandbuzz.co.uk.

Distribution

land Buzz to advise the client on any extra cost and this

The Heartland Buzz is distributed 18-20 days after the

will be discussed and agreed with the client before any

copy deadline for each individual issue.

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Payment Terms All our prices are +VAT. We invoice on booking of adverts and payment is due before our magazine goes to print or you risk losing your adverting spot. Payment can be made by BACS, cheque or PayPal.

Why advertise with us?

•

6000 magazines printed reaching over 20,000 people.

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A magazine with area coverage like no other in the local region.

•

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•

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LOOKING FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE UNIQUE?

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throughout the Heartland.

the Heartland.

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All our prices are + VAT. Prices are subject to change without notice. Website, graphic design & adverts by www.z3ro.co.uk. We reserve the right to refuse any material that we may find offensive or unsuitable for publication.

Please NOTE: After sign off, if the items contain errors of text, spelling, numerical errors to telephone numbers or contain any error relating to the content, this is the SOLE RESPONSIBILITY of the client and not The Heartland Buzz. In the event of an error, the TOTAL COSTS INCURRED will be the RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLIENT and not The Heartland Buzz. Even if the errors are from The Heartland Buzz it is still the responsibility of the client to identify these upon preview presentation. Spelling and Grammatical errors are part of the sign off process and if an item is printed/published with these kind of errors after sign off from you the client, it is not the responsibility of The Heartland Buzz. *We are able to source stock images for adverts and publications that are charged at £5+ VAT per image. **We select small businesses that we believe are beneficial to the community. If we feel your business is for the greater good of the community then we want to promote your business and help you get going. This offer is not open for ALL small businesses, however if you feel your business is something special or quirky then we would love to hear from you! This offer is only available once per business. We are a creative magazine at heart, calling all creative individuals... we want to help you too!

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HIGHLAND SAFARIS

VISITOR ATTRACTION

Safaris • Red Deer Centre • Café • Trail Centre ABERFELDY • PERTHSHIRE • SCOTLAND

Open all Year!

Best Visitors Experience ASVA 2012

Book your Land Rover Safari on 01887 820071 or visit www.highlandsafaris.net

land rov er safaris Award Winning Experiences Choose a Safari option & explore these awe-inspiring mountains to experience ‘A unique journey of discovery’

eat and

shop

Tasty Food & Imaginative Gifts Set in a stunning location our cafe serves delicious homemade lunches, cakes & coffee, original gifts & outdoor gear. Play Area & Tractor Park.

discover

trail cen

tre

Red Deer Centre and Gold and Gem Panning Come face to face with Britain’s largest land mammal and meet our beautiful Barn Owl. Walk the Discovery Trail and have fun panning for Gold and Gems.

Walking & Biking Woodland walks, biking trails, route maps, bike hire, bike wash, “Drop at the Top” Safaris & our MTB Skills Loop.

Aberfeldy Perthshire PH15 2JQ Tel: 01887 820071 www.highlandsafaris.net info@highlandsafaris.net The Heartland Buzz