SpotLight on Buckie & Keith February 2011

FEBRUARY 2011

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SpotLight

Picture by Alison Gelling, Copyright

on Buckie, Keith and district ...information on your community

The North’s Favourite FREE wee mag’!

In this issue......

Clubs & Societies 3 Biodiversity 4 Pastoral Letter 6 Church Details 6 Council News 8 What’s On 9 & 10 Cinema Listings 11 Loch Na Bo Walk 12

Chef’s Confidential School Term Dates Local Holidays Tide Times Useful Contacts Advertisers Index Parliament Blog

14 16 16 16 18 18 19

MARCH ISSUE Editorial Deadline - Friday 28th January Advertising Deadline - Wednesday 2nd February

The

R HARBOUBar NIKKI 29th January

A truly amazing young vocalist with a great selection of music to suit everyone everyone

LIVES MUSIC SATURDAY JASON PORTER 26th February NIGHTS Outstanding vocalist performs an array of great great Big Band songs

See for Yourself

Quality in the Making Free Guided Mill Tours Monday - Friday

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SpotLight Clubs and Societies

Picture by Maggie Grigor, Copyright

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPSBUCKIE & KEITH Al-Anon Family Groups offer free, confidential help & support to the relatives & friends of problem drinkers. Local weekly groups in Buckie & Keith. For further information call 020 7403 0888, visit www.hexnet.co.uk/ alanon/ or email alanonuk@aol.com BANFFSHIRE FIELD CLUB Meets monthly at St Rufus Church Hall, Turner Street, Keith to explore the district, inquiring into its geology, botany, natural history, archaeology, etc.

Contact Mrs K M Hawkes 840718 www.banffshirefieldclub.org.uk CULLEN BOWLING AND TENNIS CLUB Provides a service to anyone who is interested in Bowling and Tennis. Bowls, tennis rackets, balls and shoes all available.

Contact Sandra Douglas 840118 FAITH AND LIGHT GROUP BUCKIE To provide an evening of respite care to the parents or carers of club members. 1st and 3rd Tuesday evening at 7pm.

Contact Anne Gerrard 831124 FRISKIS AND SVETTIS Originating in Sweden, the aim is to get people healthy whilst having fun. Exercise to music, open to men and women.

Fochabers Institute Tues 10am; St Rufus Hall, Keith Wed 9.30am and Thurs 10am; St Thomas Hall Thurs 7pm, contact Mandy tel: 882641 or visit www.fsaberdeen.co.uk.

If you would like details of your club or society included in this section please let us know. All club listings are free.

Not all clubs will be listed every issue.

FOCHABERS HILL WALKING & RAMBLING CLUB Meets the last Sunday each month for hill walking outings. £10 annual sub and £10-£15 bus fare. Contact Wilma Forsyth for more details 01343 821101 GRANGE BADMINTON CLUB Tuesday evenings, 7pm to 9.30pm, King Memorial Hall, Grange. Contact Chris Lancaster 870622 HIPBUMPERS Meets Mondays 7.30pm to 9pm for social dancing at Longmore Hall, Keith JOG SCOTLAND BUCKIE Meets on Tuesday 6.30pm at Swimming Pool car park, juniors meet on Monday 4.30pm at BHS Games Hall. Suitable for beginners. Tel: 842847 or email jsbuckie@walk jogrunmoray.org.uk JOG SCOTLAND KEITH Meets on Monday 6.30pm at Keith Community Centre, juniors meet at 6pm. Suitable for beginners. Tel: 870609 or email jskeith@walk jogrunmoray.org.uk KEITH TANG SOO DO Thursdays, Royal British Legion, Keith. Classes from 5.30pm7pm, contact Steve & Rosemary Reeve tel: 01542 886500 KEITH SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLASS Meets every Thursday in the Royal British Legion Hall, Keith 7.30pm-9.30pm

KEITH SPORTS AND COMMUNITY CENTRE Contact June Simpson 882222.

LGBT MORAY Social networking group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Moray. Monthly meetings - 1st Tues. & 4th Thurs.

The Cooperage Bar, High St, Elgin, 7.30pm; 2nd Weds.

Scribbles, High St, Elgin,11am: 3rd Sat. Time Out Café, High St, Forres,10.30am. For further info or to be met in advance tel: 07598418638, email us on lgbtmoray@gmail.com or find us on Facebook MARACAIBO Club for the over 50’s, Thursdays 1.30pm to 4pm, Longmore Hall MULBEN MUMS AND TODDLERS Meets every Wednesday morning from 10am at Boharm Hall, Mulben. Contact Lorraine on 860338 MULBEN SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month, 7.30pm-9.30pm, Mulben Hall. All welcome.

Contact Margaret Rhynas tel: 01542 860208 ‘NO STRINGS ATTACHED’ CONFIDENTIAL HELPLINE If you are caring for someone who is affected by drugs, alcohol or mental health issues and you feel that it is having an impact on you and the rest of your family call 01343 555031 for help and advice. Anonymity if required

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RHYTHYM & RHYME GYM TOTS Fun musical baby and toddler sessions. Movement, music, songs, soft play and healthy snack. Wednesdays from 9.30am-10.15am and 10.20am11.05 am. Contact Wendy tel: 832133 ROTARY CLUB OF BUCKIE Meets every Monday evening at 5.30pm for 6pm in the Marine Hotel, Buckie. Visit our website at www.rotaryclub ofbuckie.org.uk ROYAL BURGH OF CULLEN PENSIONERS CLUB Meets first Tuesday of each month at 7pm, for the welfare of the elderly in Cullen. Contact Bunty Gardiner 840653 SILVER BAND Practice night, Sunday 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Longmore Hall, Keith SLIMMING WORLD FOCHABERS Wednesdays at 5.30pm & 7.30pm in the Scout Hall, Fochabers, contact Christine tel: 01542 835096 for more details.

SPEY BAY COMMUNITY HALL Tues. & Fri. 7.30pm Bowling tel 821947; Weds. morning BALL tel: 821713/820038; Thurs. afternoon Mother and Toddler tel: 820282; Fri. morning Body Conditioning Classes tel: 556370; general enquiries to Shona Kemp tel: 821070 WEIGHTWATCHERS Every Wednesday from 6.30pm, Longmore Hall, Keith

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SpotLight Local Interest

Biodiversity What’s it all about?

Biodiversity is a word that was coined in 1985 to describe the variety of all life on earth and the places that it lives.

Biodiversity is everything from butterflies to bluebells, whelks to whales, ponds to mountain plateaux. It is the backdrop to our daily lives and it is everywhere, even in the busiest of cities; though it is seldom noticed.

For most people the place where we first encounter biodiversity is on our doorsteps. During our childhood explorations we will pick Daisies and some of us will make Daisy chains or we will guess the time with a Dandelion clock or watch helicopter seeds fall from a Sycamore tree and definitely find out that Nettles and Wasps are best avoided.

Aside from giving us memories of childhood exploration and discovery, on a larger scale our economy is very much built on biodiversity; be it clean water for drinking or the whisky industry, the grass that the cattle and sheep eat or the landscapes that the tourists marvel at. It is also a major tourism income for our area, the success of Springwatch and Autumnwatch have showcased the area and brought more tourists here. Biodiversity and our health and wealth are inseparable.

In Highland and Moray we are very fortunate to have so much of interest on our doorstep. I would like to mention a few of the special species that we have up here.

round and can breed on tidal sandbanks as the pups can swim almost immediately after birth. The Grey Seal pups will be 3 weeks old before they can swim so their breeding is restricted to remote islands or isolated coves where the pups can grow in safety. 40% of the world’s Grey Seal population is found in the UK and most of that is in Scotland. www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/documents/IdentifyingSeals.pdf Red Squ irrel This species is a huge favourite for its tufty ears and acrobatic antics. If you want to see it then head to your nearest conifer woodland and see if you can spot any nibbled cones. If you are lucky they may come to the peanut feeder in your garden. It is amazing to think that this species may have been extinct in the mid-1800’s and, after some re-introductions, its population sky-rocketed so much that in the late 1800s and early 1900s there were squirrel hunting clubs all over the Highlands to control their numbers! The North of Scotland is the last stronghold of this species where it does not face competition from that American import the Grey Squirrel. www.redsquirrelsofthehighlands.co.uk Helpin g B iodiversity Public awareness of the decline of biodiversity worldwide is increasing; as is the feeling that this is not inevitable and individuals can have a positive impact on global biodiversity by taking local action. Local biodiversity action such as green volunteering, wildlife surveying or doing some wildlife friendly gardening can have a big positive impact and if lots of people do this then it will have a huge positive impact.

If you would like to find out about what you can do for biodiversity locally then get in touch with your local Biodiversity Officer. www.nesbiodiversity.org.uk • www.highlandbiodiversity.com jonath an.willet @high lan d.gov.u k

Bott len ose D olph ins A population of around 130 live in the Moray Firth and range all the way down to the Firth of Forth. They are a major draw for tourists and an unforgettable sight if you get a good look at them. They are very big, which is something you might not expect. They can be upbto 4m or 12ft long, the reason they are so big is to keep warm in our cold waters. They are the most northerly resident population of Bottlenose Dolphins in the world. www.scottishdolphins.info Seals These animals can be taken for granted as they are in most of the harbours in our area. There are two species, the Grey and Common. The Common stays in our waters all year page 4 - February 2011

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SpotLight

Picture by Eileen Fitzpatrick, Copyright

I was sitting in the house, watching TV as the snow made it impossible to do anything outside. A program came on called ‘Miracles Happen’ and so I decided to watch it. One of the stories it documented was about a man who had been blind for 22 years. He was married to a woman for 17 years and had 3 children, none of whom he had ever seen. I don’t recall how many operations he had endured, but all to no avail.

He was informed of a revolutionary operation that offered the possibility of sight, but it meant that they harvest stem cells from the eye of a living blood relative, to insert into his eye. The risk to the donor was that they could lose their sight. The man’s sister agreed to be the donor. The operations on both of them were successful. After some time, he regained the sight in his eye. To this man, it was a miracle that he had dreamt about for 22 years. He could see his family for the very first time.

Pastoral Letter and Church Meetings

It occurred to me that this is a parallel of what Jesus has done for us. There is a line in the song ‘Amazing Grace’ that says, ‘I was blind but now I see.’ Jesus said in John 3:3, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

We are all in that state, where we cannot perceive what God is doing or saying to us as His children. It takes a miracle to regain our sight as it were. The miracle is this - that God the Son would come in the flesh as a man to die on the cross as a living sacrifice for us. It took His living DNA, in that His blood was shed for us, that we could receive our sight and see our spiritual family for the first time. To finally know the love of the Father for us. To experience the forgiveness of all our wrong-doing. To know the plans and the purposes that God has for our lives. To live with the fellowship of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis.

It never ceases to amaze me when new Christians always see things in a different light. It is almost like colours are more colourful. They see the beauty of God in creation. They see people through the eyes of compassion. They also see the need of Jesus in others around them. I am often asked, ‘What is the will of God for me?’ The answer is found in John 6:40, “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”If you, like me, have given up all the new year resolutions that we were sure we could keep; why not make a resolution that will never be broken for the rest of eternity, and that is to receive the gift of sight when we ask Jesus into our hearts, and walk with Him from this day forward?

John Coppard, Pastor Riverside Christian Church, Buckie

Buckie Baptist Church meets Sundays 11am & 5.45pm. Contact Rev. 2pm on Thurs. Contact Revd Alan Macgregor 833775 V MacDougall Email bydand52@aol.com - Children are welcome to or email enziekirk@btconnect.com join us on Sunday morning at Rainbow Kids (0-5yrs) and Junior Findochty Methodist Church welcomes you to fellowship every Church (5yrs upwards) Contact Irene 01542 840821 Sunday morning at 11am. We also meet weekly every Wednesday Buckie North, C of S, Cluny Square, contact Rev Gordon Mathew from 2pm-3.30pm for fellowship and fun.

831328 email jg.mathew@btinternet.com or Mr Graeme Gerrard Keith, Holy Trinity Episcopal, Family Eucharist 11.30am.

(Session Clerk) 01542 831124 email graeme_gerrard@hotmail.com Keith, C of S - North, Newmill, Boharm and Rothiemay Buckie South & West, C of S, High Street meets for Sunday worship North Church : Sunday 11am; Boharm Church : Sunday 9.30am (first at 11.30 am, Sunday School, Guild weekly on Mon, Bible Studies Sunday of the month at Mulben village hall); Rothiemay Church : (alternate Tues at 2pm or Weds at 7.30pm), Men’s Club monthly on Sunday 9.30am, except the first Sunday in each month. Contact: Rev Thurs. Contact Revd Alan Macgregor 833775 G Hutton Steel or email: knnbrchurch@btconnect.com Keith, C of S - St Rufus, Botriphnie and Grange or email buckiesouwester@btconnect.com Buckie, Riverside Christian Church, Sundays 10.30am, contact St Rufus Church : Sunday 10.15am; Botriphnie Church : Sunday 01542 833923 or visit www.riversidebuckie.org 11.45am (alternate Sundays); Grange Church : Sunday 11.45am Buckie, St Peters Church RC contact 832196 (alternate Sundays), contact: Rev Ranald S.R. Gauld or email: Buckie Methodist Church Sundays 11am & 6pm, alternative Sundays kay_gauld@strufus.fsnet.co.uk at Portessie. Sunday School, Bible Studies, Prayer meetings, Study Keith, St. Thomas’ Church RC, Vigil-Mass 9.30am and 6.30pm groups, Women's Guild, Men's Prayer Breakfast and House Groups Confessions Saturday 10am on request.

Cullen & Deskford C of S every Sunday at 10.30am. First Sunday of Portessie Methodist Church, Portessie, Buckie Sunday worship at Month in the Hall Church, every other Sunday in the Auld Kirk, 2nd and 11am (with Sunday school) and at 6pm (alternately here & at Buckie).

4th Sundays in Jubilee Hall Deskford at 12noon, contact 01542 840193 Portgordon Methodist Church, Portgordon, Buckie meets for Sunday worship at 11am, bible study meeting on alternate Mondays or email:gordonmcneillg@btinternet.com Cullen Methodist Church, Seatown, Cullen, Buckie Sunday morning with the Church of Scotland congregation at 2pm, craft group meets worship at 11am led by a Minister or an authorised Local Preacher; on Wednesdays at 2pm Coffee Morning Wednesdays 10am-11.30am; Guild Meeting WednesRathven Church of Scotland Sunday morning worship at 9.45am led days 2pm; Activities for children are available as required. by a Minister or an authorised Local Preacher. Sunday School outwith Enzie Parish Church, Portgordon, Buckie meets for Sunday worship the local school holidays. Wee ones also very welcome. Contact Moira at 10 am, Sunday School, Guild meets monthly on Mon, Bible Study 01542 833956 or Ann 01542 831607 If you are a member of a church not listed here, please email the details to natalie@spotlighton.co.uk and we may print this in future issues.

page 6 - February 2011

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SpotLight Council News

Picture by Karen Barclay, Copyright

ExTrACTS FrOM THE MINuTES OF THE MEETING OF 19TH OCTOBEr 2010 OF BuCKIE COMMuNITy COuNCIL

traffic Problem Allan Fraser brought to the attention of members the first item that referred to a traffic problem that had arisen at the bend immediately east of St Andrews Square, leading on to West Church Street. He added that the issue had been raised initially by Mr Cartwright and he had merely added his support.

He continued that he had suggested that there was a need for some sort of traffic measure at this locus but what he hadn’t suggested that these be intoduced the whole length of Church Street, as had been reported in the local paper. He pointed out that this was leaving him open to ridicule and had written a letter to the Banffshire Advertiser, stating that lines had been crossed out, but was disappointed that they had chosen not to print it. Mr Beresford, reporter for the paper, said that to his knowledge the note had never been received. The Secretary, Gordon Cowie, explained how 2 traffic surveys had been conducted by Moray Council on the streets off Buckie recently with the highest speed being recorded so far being 30-40mph. It was also pointed out that at certain times of the day, cars were constantly being driven above the speed limit. Further studies are now being planned before it is decided whether traffic calming measures should be introduced in Buckie. steps near Former ‘Pork Factory’ The steps in question were raised again

by Howard Cartwright who said the problem had become acute now for pedestrians. Not only was water pouring down them in some quantity,

but one of the steps had actually fallen down leaving a big hole that presented a potential hazard. The Secretary agreed to contact the relevant department of Moray Council on the whole question of the steps. aoCB • Proposed Windmills in the Moray Firth The subject was raised and discussed, with Councillor McDonald saying that the Buckie Harbour was ideally placed to serve the project should it come to fruition and was doing his best to put it forward for consideration.

• Proposed Changes to Public Toilets The Chairman, James Smith, said that he had been approached obliquely, by the Press & Journal, who had asked him for a quote on the ideal formulated

by Moray Council that the toilets might be cleaned on a regular basis by members of the public. He said that he had told them that the proposal hadn’t been met favourably at all, or dismissed altogether, or words to this effect.

• Proposed Closure of Town House & Fisherman’s Hall The matters were discussed with members being unanimous that to close the Fisherman’s Hall was a retrograde step. Councillor McDonald was of the opinion that the hall belonged to Buckie Common Good Fund. This appeared to be queried by one member. Since the Common Good Fund had again been raised, the Secretary suggested that he would ask to be provided with a map showing every tangible aspects in the town that formed part of the Buckie Common Good. This was agreed.

• Buckie Skateboard Park Allan Fraser told of how a boy of primary age had received a bad leg fracture while playing at the park. He said he had informed Ms Coverley of the incident as she had first raised the question of safety at the park. Mr Fraser said that there would appear to be a need to separate the ages of those using the park. When young children are playing alongside youths there would always be the potential for an accident to happen. He hoped that there would be a responsible adult present on duty at all times.

The Secretary said that there were ongoing complaints with regard to safety at the park and suggested that he write to Moray Council address these issues.

• Sticky Gum on Pavements The issue was raised again highlighting the mess of chewing gum. It is known that a machine designed to clean the pavements of gum exists in Elgin. The Secretary agreed to see if it could be brought to Buckie to clean the mess.

• Obstruction on the Footway at St Andrews Square Karen Pitt spoke of a metal pin protruding from the pavement outside the supermarket on St Andrews Square.

Someone had caught their foot on it & tripped and she had asked Moray Council to remove it but it was not their concern, rather that of the shopkeeper.

• Missing Water Tobies The secretary was told of two missing water tobies. One at Shanks Lane and the other West of the Gospel Hall on West Church Street. Gordon Cowie took note & will pass it on.

Community CounCil ContaCts Keith Community Council: meets first Monday of Buckie Community Council: meets third Tuesday each month (excluding January and August) 7pm at each month (excluding July) 7pm Town House West.

Keith Community Centre. Contact: Diane Halley Contact: Gordon Cowie (Secretary) 831956 (Secretary) on 886640. page 8 - February 2011

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Advertise your event here from only £33 plus VAT. Call 01309 690063 or email natalie@spotlighton.co.uk Deadline for March issue is Wednesday 2nd February

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SpotLight What’s On

FEBRUARY 2011

1-28 tuesday - monday

19 saturday

exhibition on the people of moray, local heritage centre, institution road, elgin, tel: 01343 569011 or visit www.moray.gov.uk/localheritage

moray ceilidh club - celilidh with the dandy ceilidh band, 8pm, bishopmill hall, elgin, byob, for more details visit www.moraycc.org cousti, the loft venue, by kinloss, tel: 01343 850111 or vist www.loftgigs.co.uk

5 saturday bothy ballads - champion of champions, 7pm (doors open 6.15pm), elgin town hall, tickets, £8.50 upstairs, £7.50 downstairs, available elgin library, cooper park, elgin, tel: 01343 562600, judge - joe aitken; compere - raymond wood; guest entertainers - colin campbell and ian cruickshank, organised by rotary club of elgin

Cousti at The Loft Venue Saturday 19th February

12 saturday

Cousti along with their many fans now look forward to the release of their long awaited debut album ‘String To Tracks’ & are already hard at work with a follow up. www.loftgigs.co.uk tel: 01343 850111

forres farmers market, 10am-2pm, drill hall, forres tbc, contact anne marie for details tel: 01309 691616

24 thursday

10 thursday

scottish opera, 7.30pm, universal hall, findhorn, £11/£5 concessions, tel: 01309 691170 for details

keith support group parkinsons uk - indigo with pam & norrie wilson, 7pm-9pm, keith resource centre, for more details contact alan gray tel: 887258

12 saturday comedy night, the loft venue, by kinloss, tel: 01343 850111 or vist www.loftgigs.co.uk

Comedy Night The Loft Venue

26 saturday buckie choral union (charity no sc022330) coffee morning, 9.30am-11.30am, ‘all saints’ scottish episcopal church hall, west church street, buckie, sales and bottle stalls and raffle, tickets adults £1.50/children half price, available from choir members; house of hair; and tlc health and beauty, for more info visit www.buckiechoral.org.uk or email sec@buckiechoral.org.uk

Saturday 12th February

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Welcome to the ‘Definitely Not Valentines’ - an evening of humour from some of Scotland’s outstanding comedians www.loftgigs.co.uk tel: 01343 850111

13 sunday

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fourth annual moray wedding exhibition, 11am-4pm, elgin town hall, tel: 01343 821188 for more details

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riding the rails by ian mckenzie, 7.30pm, keith library, for more details contact elgin library tel: 01343 562600 or visit www.moray.gov.uk

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18 friday red hot chilli pipers, 7:30pm, ogstoun theatre, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £12/£6, visit our website www.thegcs.org.uk for details or tel: 01343 837917

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

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MARCH 2011 in brief 1-31 tuesday - thursday old elgin in photographs, local heritage centre, institution road, elgin, tel: 01343 569011 or visit www.moray.gov.uk/localheritage 1 tuesday book sale - sale of withdrawn library stock to include books, cd’s, videos, dvd’s all at bargain prices, 12noon-8pm, elgin library, tel: 01343 562619 2 wednesday book sale - sale of withdrawn library stock to include books, cd’s, videos, dvd’s all at bargain prices, 10am-8pm, elgin library, tel: 01343 562619 3 thursday pure brass, 7:30pm, south room, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £12/£6, visit our website www.thegcs.org.uk for details or tel: 01343 837917 4 friday back to the future - ‘elgin in style’, 7.30pm, elgin town hall, showcasing a number of city centre businesses using drama, dance & live music, brought to you by elgin business improvement district (bid) and the out of the darkness theatre company, £7, visit www.elginbid.co.uk for more details 9 wednesday alejandro ziegler tango quartet, 7.30pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8/£6, tel: 01309 691170 9 wednesday to 12 saturday elgin musical theatre present disney’s beauty and the beast, 7.30pm (including saturday matinee), elgin town hall, a treat for all ages, tickets on sale at mathieson’s, batchen street,

elgin or tel: 01343 547765, for more details visit our website www.elginmusicaltheatre.co.uk 11 thursday keith support group parkinsons uk - oberammergau, keith resource centre, for more details contact mike mustard tel: 887972 12 saturday slam, the loft venue, by kinloss, £15/£20, tel: 01343 850111 or vist www.loftgigs.co.uk 15 tuesday kgs world challenge - india with students from keith grammar school, 7pm, keith library, for more details contact elgin library tel: 01343 562600 or visit www.moray.gov.uk 16 wednesday the changing times of the banffshire advertiser by jack johnston, 7.30pm, buckie library, for more details contact elgin library tel: 01343 562600 or visit www.moray.gov.uk 18 friday matt andersen, the loft venue, by kinloss, tel: 01343 850111 or vist www.loftgigs.co.uk 19 saturday the wiyos, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £13/£11/£8, tel: 01309 691170 for details 20 sunday matt andersen take 2, the loft venue, by kinloss, tel: 01343 850111 or vist www.loftgigs.co.uk 25 friday she’koyokh klezmer ensemble, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8/£6, tel: 01309 691170 for details 27 sunday scotland’s census 2011, further details can be found at www.gro-scotland.gov.uk

Back to the future (/*,1 ,1 67</(

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Told through drama, dance and live music with a focus on the rich history of Elgin (people and place) BACK TO THE FUTURE – ELGIN IN STYLE – will showcase a number of City Centre businesses from the fashion, hair and beauty industry. This spectacular

event brings together a wide range of fashions for all ages, tastes and uses.

Prize draw for all ticket holders, charity raffle and free hospitality.

An evening not to be missed!!

Tickets £7.00 on sale from Monday 7th February. Concessions £5.00.

For more information see www.elginbid.co.uk Brought to you by: Elgin Business Improvement District (BID) and the Out of Darkness Theatre Company

Let’s all EMBRACE ELGIN and put the VIBRANCY back into the CITY CENTRE page 10 - February 2011

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

Cinema Nairn Visit cinemanairn.blogspot.com or contact Nairn Community Centre on 01667 453476 for details

Cinema Listings February 2011 Eden Court Theatre, Inverness Black Swan (15) The Way Back (12a) Lifecycles (8+) plus many others

Vue Cinema, Inverness From 28th January Tangled (PG) From 4th February The Fighter (15) From 11th February Gnomeo & Juliet (U) Yogi Bear (U) From 18th February Paul (tbc) I Am Number 4 (12a)

Visit www.eden-court.co.uk or call 01463 234234 for details

Moray Playhouse, Elgin

KidsAM - Every Saturday & Sunday at 10.15am - 95p per ticket Seniors Club - Every Tuesday at 12.30pm - £3 inc. refreshments NEW Teen Screen Every Thursday & Friday £1.95 2D or £2.95 3D

New Screenings begin on Fridays

Visit www.myvue.com for details

Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk

Portessie Public Hall Regular films including Saturday matinees.

For further details email portessiepublichall@hotmail.co.uk

Universal Hall, Findhorn Showing films throughout the year. Visit www.findhorn.org/uhall or call 01309 691170 for details.

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

www.spotlighton.co.uk

February 2011 - page 11

Loch Na Bo Walk Lhanbryde INTRODUCTION: Located just a few miles east of Elgin, the woodland and countryside around the village of Lhanbryde provide a great opportunity for outdoor access.

Starting at the map board in centre of the old village (on St. Andrews Road).

THE ROUTE & FEATURES OF INTEREST: Loch na Bo is a picturesque man made loch to the south of Lhanbryde. It is surrounded by woodland and is full of wildlife, including red squirrels, Daubenton bats, mink and swans.

To reach Loch na Bo follow the Garmouth Road and turn right at the playing field past the Community Centre. Take the second left onto Elsher Road and at the far end,

SpotLight walk down the slope onto the path that runs along the back of the cemetery. Turn right and follow the track to the A96.

Cross this road with care. Follow the private road directly opposite. This leads you to a waymarked path around the Loch.

TERRAIN: Pavements, farm tracks and informal woodland paths (gravel and earth). Some paths can be muddy in places, so stout footwear is recommended.

SIGNAGE: Partly Signed WALK GRADE: Moderate An undulating path of between one and four miles, which may have a few short steep sections and/or varying surfaces.

MILEAGE: 4 Miles ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 2 Hours

Information kindly supplied by

page 12 - February 2011

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

With so many bargains in store You’ll be needing one of these

1 West Rd, Greshop Estate, Forres, IV36 2GW 01309 696940

Department Store 107-111 High St, Forres, IV36 1AA 01309 672248 *Terms and Conditions Apply

If you like it here, you’ll love it there...

MACKENZIE & CRUICKSHANK

A DEAL TO GET YOU MOVING. Right now, you can reserve a new home in Elgin for just £100 (until 28th February 2011). And when you thought this deal couldn’t get any better, we’ll also pay your mortgage for 12 months*, give you £1,000 cash back and, on selected plots, include all the floor coverings.

Hamilton Gardens 0845 504 9900 Sat Nav: IV30 5PA

I would

LOVE

a delicious M&C tea or coffee please!

One FREE cup of Tea or Coffee per voucher Valid 9am -11.30am and 3pm-4pm at either the Garden Centre or High Street Store

M&C

Offer ends Feb 28 2011

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Garden Centre

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Vis durin it M&C g Fe b and get a ruary FR tea o r cof EE fee*

-----------------------------------------

DON MISS’T OUT

Westfields 0844 247 2160 Sat Nav: IV30 6BB

Hamilton Gardens open Thursday to Monday, 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Westfields open Friday to Sunday, 10.30am to 5.30pm.

robertsonhomes.co.uk *£700-£1000 mortgage subsidy for 1 year, for reservations taken prior to 28th February 2011, and legal completion no later than 31st March 2011.

Offer advertised is available on selected plots and developments, not available in conjunction with any other offer, and is subject to Robertson Homes terms and conditions. Images used are typical of a Robertson Home and may not be representative of the particular developments advertised.

®

SpotLight Chef’s Confidential

Chocolate Mousse with Drambuie Cream

Over the last few months, Peter has given you a professional flavour of what Knockomie does. Over the coming months I would like to share with you some of my recipes, developed from the 24 years we have owned Knockomie, but also dishes that are not necessarily designed for the a restaurant environment.

I use the same principles at home as the hotel does in that I always use local meat, fish and vegetables where possible.

February is the month of romance and chocolate is the food of love. Chocolate will definitely be a feature of Knockomie's Valentines Menu and with complimentary fizz over Valentine's Weekend, romance will be off to a fine start. We look forward to welcoming you.

Shortbread Hearts

Ingredients Serves 2 (can easily be doubled or tripled)

225g Unsalted Butter at room temperature 325g Plain Flour sifted 70g Caster Sugar Pinch of salt Heart shaped cutters

110g 70% cocoa Chocolate 2 Large eggs, separated 100ml Double Cream lightly whipped 25ml Drambuie Method Break the chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water to melt. When it’s smooth and runny, take it off the heat and beat in the egg yolks whilst the mixture is still hot.

Leave the chocolate and egg mixture to cool for 10-15 minutes.

While you are waiting for the chocolate mixture to cool, whisk the egg whites until they are just peaking too stiffly and they wont fold in easily. Fold the egg whites in to the chocolate mixture and pour in to ramekins, champagne flutes, or espresso cups and chill in the fridge.

Just before you are ready to serve lightly whip the cream and add the Drambuie to it. Top the chocolate mousses with the cream and place the shortbread hearts at the side and serve.

page 14 - February 2011

Pre-heat the oven to 150˚c / 300˚f or gas mark 2 Dice the butter and place in a mixing bowl, add all the other ingredients, rub together gently to form a ball.

The easier way is to place all the ingredients in to a food processor and blitz until it forms a ball. Cover with cling film and place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes before rolling out.

Lightly flour the work surface and remove the shortbread mix from the fridge. Roll out the shortbread mixture until it is about ½ cm thick, then cut into hearts and place on a greased oven tray, and return to the fridge for 30 minutes.

Lightly dust with some extra caster sugar before placing in the oven for 20 – 30minutess until golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely before removing from the tray.

Store in an airtight container.

tel: 01309 690063

Penny Ellis, Owner Knockomie Hotel, Forres tel: 01309 673146 SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

SALE Genuine Reductions in all departments...

VALE LUCY SUITE was £2699 VALE

...Suites, Dining, Lounge Furniture, Beds and Bedroom Furniture

NOW O NLY

£1299 3’ ELE EELECTRIC LECTR CTRIC CTR IC RISER RISER BEDS

FROM

£550

+ VAT

OFFERING OFFERING YOU THE LATEST LATEST CONTE CONTEMPORARY MPORARY STYLES STYLES AS WELL AS TRADITIONAL TRADITIONAL RANGES RANGES

Nobody Nob dy kknows nows no ws furniture furniture likee the specialists lik specialists 160/162 Mid Steet, Keith Tel: 01542 882872 Open Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm www.thirdsfurniture.webs.com The complete house furnishers

FREE delivery delivery up to to 50 miles radius radius

®

Advertise here from only £30 per month plus VAT. Call 01309 690063 or email david@spotlighton.co.uk Deadline for March issue is Wednesday 2nd February

SpotLight

School Term Dates Holidays and Tide Times

School Term Dates

for 2010/2011 (all dates inclusive) Mid-term Holiday Friday 11th February 2011 Mid-term Holiday Monday 14th February 2011 Spring Term Ends Friday 1st April 2011 Summer Term Starts Monday 18th April 2011 Good Friday Holiday Friday 22nd April 2011 Milne’s High & Feeders Friday 29th April 2011 May Day Holiday Monday 2nd May 2011 In-service Closure Thursday 19th May 2011 In-service Closure Friday 20th May 2011 Buckie High & Feeders Mon. 6th June 2011 Keith Grammar & Feeders Mon. 6th June 2011 Speyside High & Feeders Mon. 6th June 2011

Summer Term Ends Friday 1st July 2011 for 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 16th August 2011 Autumn Term Ends Friday 7th October 2011 Winter Term Starts Monday 24th October 2011 In-service Closure Monday 21st November 2011 In-service Closure Tuesday 22nd November 2011 Winter Term Ends Wed. 21st December 2011 Spring Term Starts Thursday 5th January 2012 Mid-term Holiday Friday 10th February 2012 Mid-term Holiday Monday 13th February 2012 Spring Term Ends Friday 30th March 2012 Good Friday Holiday Friday 6th April 2012

Local Holidays 2011 Buckie Holiday § Keith Holiday Fochabers Holiday ‡ Good Friday Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Keith Holiday Buckie Holiday § Fochabers Holiday ‡ Buckie Holiday §

Monday 4th April Monday 4th April Monday 11th April Friday 22nd April Monday 25th April Monday 2nd May Monday 30th May Monday 6th June Monday 13th June Monday 27th June Monday 25th July

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR BUCKIE IN FEBRUARY Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times AM PM 1 2 3 4 5 6

TU W TH F SA SU

04.37 05.13 05.46 06.17 06.46 07.15

page 16 - February 2011

17.06 17.41 18.13 18.43 19.12 20.10

7 M 8 TU 9 W 10 TH 11 F 12 SA 13 SU 14 M 15 TU 16 W 17 TH

Summer Bank Holiday Keith Holiday Fochabers Holiday ‡ Buckie Holiday § Buckie Holiday § Fochabers Holiday ‡ Keith Holiday

Monday 1st August Monday 8th August Monday 5th September Monday 12th September Monday 17th October Monday 17th October Monday 17th October

§ includes Cullen, Findochty & Portknockie ‡ includes Garmouth, Kingston, Mosstodloch, Spey Bay & Urquhart

AM 07.45 08.17 08.53 09.33 10.28 11.45 00.28 02.07 03.17 04.07 04.47

tel: 01309 690063

PM 20.10 20.43 20.43 22.04 23.02 13.27 14.51 15.46 16.31 17.12

18 F 19 SA 20 SU 21 M 22 TU 23 W 24 TH 25 F 26 SA 27 SU 28 M

AM 05.26 06.04 06.43 07.23 08.04 08.51 09.45 10.55 01.17 02.45

PM 17.52 18.33 19.14 19.56 20.40 21.30 22.27 23.43 12.30 14.14 15.25

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

A perfect occasion...

The Royal

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The Restaurant is fast

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becoming known as one of the best places to eat in the

Minestrone finished with Rustic M inestrone SSoup oup finish ed w ith Basil 1FTUP 1BSNFTBO 1 FTUP 1BSNFTBO

area. Our menu caters for

Prime Beef Mushrooms, Medallions M edallions of P rime B eef FFillet illet with M ushrooms, #BDPO -BSEPOT 5BSSBHPO 3FE 8JOF +VT # BDPO -BSEPOT 5BSSBHPO 3FE 8JOF +VT

both the hearty eater and the

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more refined diner. Bar lunch

3PBTU SBDL PG -BNC XJUI /FX Potatoes, 3 PBTU SBDL PG -BNC XJUI /FX Potatoes, "TQBSBHVT 1FBT #SPBE #FBOT .JOU 4BMTB 7FSEF " TQBSBHVT 1FBT #SPBE #FBOT .JOU 4BMTB 7FSEF

value offers are often featured as well as Chef's

Poached Pear Butterscotch P oached P ear with Butt erscotch 44BVDF 'VEHF BVDF 'VEHF Ice Ice Cream Cream

ever changing Specials menu

.

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in the Restaurant.

#SFBE #VUUFS 1VEEJOH MBDFE XJUI #BJMFZT #SFBE #VUUFS 1VEEJOH MBDFE XJUI #BJMFZT

Prime Roasts are served

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every Sunday.

2 Main Main Courses Courses for for only ยฃ10

Church Road, Keith, Moray AB55 5BR. 4EL s &AX

email: info@theroyalhotelandrestaurant.co.uk

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SpotLight Useful Numbers and Advertisers Index

Picture by Keith J Bissett, Copyright

SCHOOLS Botriphnie Primary School ............................01542 810207 Cluny Primary School....................................01542 831417 Crossroads Primary School ..........................01542 870221 Cullen Primary School ..................................01542 840279 Findochty Primary School ............................01542 832287 Keith Primary School ....................................01542 882802 Millbank Primary School ................................01542 831113 Milne’s Primary School ..................................01343 820977 Mosstodloch Primary School ........................01343 820476 Newmill Primary School ................................01542 882788 Portessie Primary School ..............................01542 832288 Portgordon Primary School ..........................01542 831198 Portknockie Primary School ..........................01542 840244 St Peters RC Primary School ........................01542 831339 St Thomas RC Primary School ......................01542 882256 Buckie High School ......................................01542 832605 Keith Grammar School ..................................01542 882461 Milne’s High School ......................................01343 820611 DOCTORS Ardach Health Centre ....................................01542 831555 Seafield Medical Centre ................................01542 835577 Cullen Medical Centre....................................01542 840272 Keith Medical Centre......................................01542 882244 Dr Grays Hospital, Elgin................................0845 456 6000

DENTISTS The Keith Dental Practice ............................(01542) 886251 Buckie Dental Practice ................................(01542) 831163

PHARMACIES Bairds Pharmacy, Keith..................................01542 882512 Clarks Pharmacy, Fife-Keith ..........................01542 882533 Listermac Pharmacy, Union St ......................01542 840268 Listermac Pharmacy, W. Church St ..............01542 833321 W.S. Taylor, Buckie ........................................01542 831116 Normac Pharmacy, Buckie ............................01542 831147 Buckie Leisure Centre....................................01542 832841 Police Station ................................................0845 600 5700 Keith Community Centre................................01542 882028 Keith Swimming Pool ....................................01542 882222 Keith Resource Centre ..................................01542 886174 Keith Library ..................................................01542 882223 Keith Sports & Com. Ctr ................................01542 882222 Moray Council Access Point, Keith................01542 885500 Registrar ........................................................01542 885525 Keith Tourist Info. Ctr......................................01542 888423 Keith Community Bus ....................................01542 882222 Babs Dial A Bus ............................................01542 835800 National Rail Enquiries ..................................08457 484950 If you have any suggestions for additional useful numbers please email these to us on admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Advertisers Index Anderson & England ....Outside Back Baxters ............................Front Cover Beaver Travel ....................................7 City of Elgin BID..............................10 Dallas Designs..................................5 East Grange Activity Centre ............7 Fairleys Solicitors..............................5 Harbour Bar ....................Front Cover Johnstons of Elgin............................2 Linda Marlow Dog Grooming ..........7 Mackenzie & Cruickshank..............13 McDonald & Munro ..........................5 page 18 - February 2011

Michael Sharp Joinery......................7 Robertson Homes ..........................13 Roof Wizard ......................................5 Springfield ......................................19 The Loft Venue ........................9 & 19 The Royal Hotel & Restaurant ........17 Third Brothers ................................15 Ultimate Hair & Beauty ....................5 Unique Beauty ................Front Cover Universal Hall....................................9 Wheelchair Care ..............................5 Younies Electrical Store..................17

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

QUALITY BUILT, GREAT VALUE FAMILY HOMES

B U C K I E

Stylish 2, 3 and 4 bedroom now available Most people are surprised by the standard features and level of choice included in the price of a Springfield Home and all this backed up by our industry leading, award winning after sales service.

CALL 01343 552550 TODAY TO FIND OUT MORE Showhome open 12pm to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday.

Customer Care Award

The Homes for Scotland People Awards Recognising talent and achievement

09

Other Sites at: Alness &MHJO t 'PSSFT t .BDEVGG For details call 01343 552550

For details call 01343 552550 today www.springfield.co.uk

info@springfield.co.uk

Parliament

“Blog ”

Spring is s l o w l y creeping up on us, which I am sure we are all fairly glad about around Moray after some horrendous winter weather over a good number of weeks.

With it of course comes lighter nights and, hopefully, some milder temperatures, which

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The recent w i n t e r weather reminded us all of Moray’s s t r o n g community spirit. Folk were helping each other throughout all our local communities, clearing snow and checking on the welfare of neighbours.

We owe a big thanks to all the council workers and others who went that extra mile to

means I will have absolutely no excuse not to be exercising after the winter nights. My MSP colleague in Moray will no doubt be ensuring that is the case by handing me large quantities of leaflets to deliver for the May election.

Politics aside, an election certainly helps shift some excess pounds that might have been gained!

Angus Roberts on MP keep society ticking over. Every cloud has a silver lining - even snow clouds - and many people I have spoken to have said that the winter weather has meant that they have spent more time at home with their families.

Perhaps it makes us all realise that our usual hectic lives don’t leave enough time with our families and as every family knows, before we know it, our young kids are all grown up and we wonder where the time went.

Richard L och head MSP

The Anderson & England

WINTER

SALE

UP TO

50% OFF

Idaho 4 seater sofa

We stock a wide range of beautiful pieces for every room in the home – and we’ve built our reputation on our personal and dependable service. So call in and see what we have in store – and enjoy a coffee while you’re with us.

Castelo small extending dining table & 4 chairs

FREE

• Parking

Marino 3 seater & 2 seater recliner

FREE

Luna 5’ bed frame, 2 x bedside cabinets, 5 drawer chest & 6 drawer dresser

• Coffee

TYPICAL

Lossie Wynd, Elgin. 01343 547411 Open 7 days Mon-Sat 9.30-5pm Sun 12-5pm

0% APR

*Conditions apply. Credit subject to acceptance, written quotations on request from Anderson & England, Lossie Wynd, Elgin IV30 1QB. Excludes clearance items.

www.andersonandengland.co.uk