Spotlght Elgin feb 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

THE NORTH’S FAVOURITE FREE WEE MAG

SpotLIGHT ELGIN, LOSSIE & DISTRICT

ELS Stoves Banner Sept 18.pdf

1

02/08/2018

25/27 South St Elgin IV30 1JZ 01343 542559

09:48

Design and installation of fireplaces, chimney systems and Multi-fuel stoves

Buckie Furniture Front H Feb

Tel: 01343 200 413 Mob: 07534 125 013 19.pdf 1 14/01/2019 09:26 www.elsstoves.co.uk

3 + 2 Seater Sofa WAS £1399

3 seater W2275mm x D900mm x H965mm 2 seater W1550 x D990mm x H965

NOW £699!

VERY LIMITED STOCK

SEE ADVERT INSIDE

45-49 Church St, Buckie AB56 1BP s Tel: (01542) 832653 s www.buckiefurniture.co.uk

Photo Credit: Martin A. Leckie

A Unique & Exclusive Venue Where you can Create the Wedding of Your Dreams

Innes House – Elgin – Moray – IV30 8NG Tel. 01343 842410 enquiries@inneshouse.co.uk – www.inneshouse.co.uk Please quote ‘SpotLight’ when making an enquiry

atural N N atu

Ladies Boutique ral Spice Elgin Est.1996

Stocking:

S pic e

Armed Angels Camelot Caractere Emin & Paul Ivy Oky The Pretty Dress Company Zanetti Sita Murt Hats, Fascinates & Jewellery.

Connocks of London

OPEN: Sun - Thurs 4pm - 1am Fri & Sat 4pm - 2.30am WE DO

Curries, Kebabs, Pizzas and Calzones

MUNCHIE BOX £10.95

MEAL FOR 1 from £10.95

PIZZA MEAL FOR 2

MEAL FOR 2 from £19.95

from £12.50

Casual elegance to complement your style

3 Pitgaveny Quay, Lossiemouth Marina Moray IV31 6TW 01343 815274 my@myclothesline.co.uk

Wedding/Occasion Wear new stock arriving daily.

Winter opening hours 10am-4pm. Sale continues.

JG Fencing Jan 18.pdf

1

22/11/2017

Sticks n' Stoves Sept 18.pdf

14:36 Follow us on

1

02/08/2018

www.myclothesline.co.uk

Sticks ‘n’ Stoves BEST PRICES GUARANTEED

JOHN GAMMIE ‘YOUR FORRES FENCER’

ALL TYPES OF GARDEN FENCES ERECTED AND REPAIRED NO MONEY EXCHANGED UNTIL 100% HAPPY WITH WORK

DISTANCE NO OBJECT

07977 598618

Multifuel and Woodburning stoves, Flues, Installation. Free surveys and advice.

CALL NOW FOR FREE QUOTE

Now open 10 till 4 Fri - Sat ‡ www.sticksnstoves.co.uk

01309 271012

37 High Street, Forres, IV36 1PB

SpotLIGHTon .co.uk

Clubs and Societies AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS Offers support & understanding to families & friends of problem drinkers. Meetings are always confidential. Call 020 7403 0888 www.al-anonuk.org.uk COFFEE MORNING & GET TOGETHER 1st Fri of month, 10am - 12pm, Duffus Village Hall. Come along, bring a friend, catch up & be involved.

CONTACT THE ELDERLY Monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for socially isolated older people. Call Denise Robson on 01542 285010 or email at denise.robson@contact-theelderly.org.uk

ELGIN AND DISTRICT PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP Monthly meetings 7.30pm 9.30pm, the Elgin Free Church, South Street, Elgin Free entry with teas & coffees after the meeting. Call Hilary Wood on 01343 830795 or email at elginanddistrictpsg@gmail.com ELGIN MUSICAL THEATRE (EMT) Tues (mid-August onwards), 7.30pm, Holy Trinity Church Hall, Elgin. A musical production is performed every March in Elgin Town Hall. Email at emtsecretary@outlook.com www.elginmusicaltheatre.com

ELGIN OVER 60 LUNCH CLUB ELGIN AMATEUR ATHLETICS Mon, Wed & Fri, 12pm - 1pm, CLUB Elgin Community Centre. A tasty Tues & Thurs, 6.30pm - 8pm, main meal for only £3.75. Add a Morriston Playing Field (Apr soup starter for £1.75 & a Oct) & Bishopmill Primary Gym dessert for £2.75p. Come along (Oct - Mar). Coaching in running, & meet up with friends or make Ad jumps, rates throws, - Elgin.qxp 03/12/2018new 12:02 Page 1 field & track ones! Call Nicky on 01343 athletics. Ages 9 +. Membership 543736 or email at fee + £1 per session. Please ecec@moray.gov.uk come & try. Call Violet Beattie on 01343 551021 or email at ELGIN SCRABBLE CLUB info.elginaac@gmail.com Tues, 1.30pm - 4.30pm, Elgin Community Centre. All ages & Sample one-off advertising levels welcome. Call Margaret rates (colour advert) Armstrong on 01343 545377

Box Big box ¼ page ½ page Full page

£51 £81 £133 £231 £441

Enhanced listings in What’s On pages starting from £30

Publisher:

Winterburn Media Ltd Unit 15, Horizon Scotland, Enterprise Park, Forres, Moray, IV36 2AB (01309) 690063

All material within the SpotLight magazines is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertiser artwork or any other content, without the publisherʼs prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright.

page 4 - February 2019

ELGIN SENIOR CITIZENS DANCING CLUB Mon, 1.30pm - 4pm, Supper Room, Elgin Town Hall. Join the over 50s for music & dancing in friendly company. £2.50, includes tea & cakes.

GARMOUTH & KINGSTON ART GROUP Alternate Thurs, 2pm - 4pm, Garmouth Hall. New members welcome. Call 01343 870267 HELGIN ROLLER DERBY Sat, 11am – 1pm, Beginners’ Skating sessions. Fast-paced contact sport played on roller skates. Open to all aged 16+ with hire kit available. Find us on Facebook or email info@helginrollerderby.com for HISTORIC WHEELS CLUB Caters for all classes of classic vehicles, cars & bikes, based in

tel: 01309 690063

What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

Moray, Scotland with membership extending to all surrounding counties. Email at secretary@hwc.org.uk

obligation. Call Isobel on 01542 834398 MOTHERS’ UNION 3rd Wed of month, 2pm, Holy Trinity Church, Elgin. Attached to the Anglican Church. Variety of speakers etc. Men welcome, meetings open to all. Call Catherine Green or Lynne Taylor on 01343 552794 or 835861

JOYFUL NOISE SINGERS Thurs, 10am - 12pm, St Giles Church, Elgin. Moray's older people's choir. All welcome.

Call 07486 374525 or email at joyfulnoise@btinternet.com www.joyfulnoiseuk.com LAICH OF MORAY TRUST Providing transport for the elderly, infirm & disabled within Moray but sometimes further.

Call Rob Tyson on 01343 545531 LOSSIEMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB To promote football in the Lossie area & enter competitive competitions. Call Alan McIntosh on 01343 813328 or email at alanlfcsec@aol.com

RIVER LIVET FISHING (SEASON FEB - SEPT) Salmon, sea trout & brown trout fishing for the whole family on the River Livet. Permits can be obtained from Ballindalloch Post Office, Tomnavoulin Post Office, Crown Estate Office, Tomintoul & the Glen Livet Distillery. www.facebook.com/riverlivet fishing

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTRE Open 7 days a week from 10am, 30-32 Batchen Street, Elgin. Call 01343 556191 or 07717 301614.

Email at moraywellnesscentre@ penumbra.org.uk

THE FRIENDS OF THE BIBLICAL GARDEN Tues (Jul - Aug), 6pm. To weed & keep the garden tidy for the many visitors who come to enjoy the surroundings. Come along & join us if you can. No experience necessary. A cup of tea & friendly faces are guaranteed.

Call 01343 843111.

MORAY CARERS' CHOIR Mon, 11am - 1pm, St Giles Church Hall, Elgin. £4 per session. For carers who love to sing. Call 01542 850441 or at moraycarerschoir@gmail.com

UKULELE CLUB Last Tues of month, 7.30pm 8.30pm, the Seaforth Club, Elgin. All welcome to come along. £4 per session. Email at moraymusiclessons.com

MORAY JUNIORS ICE HOCKEY CLUB Thurs, 5.15pm - 7.45pm, Moray Leisure Centre, Elgin. For ages 5 - 18yrs. Call Kathy Grant (Sec) on 07513 175570 or email at morayjuniors@gmail.com www.morayjuniors.com

YOGA THERAPY WITH CONNIE MCGRATH BWY(DIP) 1st & 3rd Fri of each month, 2pm - 3pm, The Oaks, Morriston Road, Elgin. Free but need to book. Specific yoga which can support & nurture people affected by cancer or progressive illness. Call Mairi McFadden on 01343 562460

MORAY SENSORY SERVICE Services for people with sight loss, hearing loss & the Deaf Community in Moray. Elizabeth House, 10 Victoria Crescent, Elgin. Call 0845 271 2345 MOSSTODLOCH SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING CLASS Tues (Sept - Mar), 7.30pm 9.30pm, Juniors 7.30pm 8.30pm, Speymouth Hall, Mosstodloch. Free first class, no

PLEASE NOTE Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis. If you would like your details to be included in this section please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Carola Counselling 07817076946 carolas@runbox.com Person-centred counselling enables you to find your own answers in an abi rooley dec 18v1.pdf 1 01/11/2018 atmosphere of empathy and trust

Learn to SING or PLAY recorder/flute

t: 01343 850179

Â&#x2021; 6800(5 :,17(5 &+$1*( 29(56 Â&#x2021; 381&785(6 5(3$,5(' Â&#x2021; 7<5(6 6833/,(' $1' ),77(' 16:03 )25 &$5 9$1 ; +*9 $1' $*5,&8/785$/ Â&#x2021; $// &$55,(' 287 $7 <285 +20( 25 :25. Â&#x2021; 6$9( 7,0( 6$9( 021(< &217$&7 -$0,( $7 7<5( 6$9(5 72'$< 02%,/( (0$,/ 9,$ ::: 7<5(6$9(5 &2 8.

0(66$*( 21

Lessons from £12 by Abi Rooley-Towle decora feb 18.pdf 1 winning 16/01/2018 11:46 (Accredited Music Teacher and award songwriter) e: rooleytowle@btinternet.com

City Style without the City prices

HUGE SELECTION OF KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS IN A VARIETY OF BRANDS & STYLES

DECORA adore your home

Free Delivery Free Measuring Free Estimation Free Planning Lossiebank Mills, Bridge Street, Elgin IV30 4DE Tel: 01343 542 218 Fax: General Enquiries: 01343 550 357 Kitchen/Bathroom/Furniture: 01343 546 315

* Decora guarantee the lowest price on all our kitchen and bathroom ranges or we will match any difference, unlike any of our competitors. So youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always going to D.I.Y for less.

Open: Mon-Fr 0900 - 1900. Sat 0900-1800, Sun 1000-1700

www.diydecora.com

SpotLIGHTon .co.uk

Pastoral Le er & Church Meetings Every generation thinks their music is the best, I became aware of music in the late 80s. My musical era is the age of Stock, Aiken and Waterman, so there is a double think thing going on, as I know it really wasn’t pop music’s golden age. One exception to this though is the massive, beautiful voice of Whitney Huston who belted out the song, The Greatest Love of All. A fantastic song with her powerful vocal rang in full display. However, when you stop and listen to the words, it really misses what love is about. You see in the song, The greatest love of all, is the love someone has for themselves. ‘It’s there inside of them, learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all’. That isn’t the greatest love of all, it’s far from it.

This month has the great romantic day of Valentine’s Day right in the middle, when love is pushed at a price, chocolate, cards and heart shaped everything. Of course, there are another 364 days a year to be romantic, romantic love is wonderful. I remember the early days of my relationship with my then girlfriend, Joy who is now my wife, every moment seemed special. The

thoughts of those days, those shared memories still give me chills to this day. I can remember many moments that I played over and over. I remember I couldn’t sleep sometimes just thinking about the magic that was in the air. That was wonderful but it’s not the greatest love of all, in fact it pales in comparison to how I love her now in the day to day of ordinary married life. Yet still even this love beautiful as it is, is not the greatest love. I love my wife conditionally or at least I did initially. It was based on her good attributes, the way she spoke, the way she smelled and the way she looked. When my oldest daughter was born, she was grey/purple and screaming the place down. I didn’t know her (she is beautiful now) but in those first few moments she looked like an alien from out of space, yet I experienced a love I had never known before. It seemed to be unconditional and I would do anything for her, yet even this as great a love as I have experienced is not the greatest love.

The greatest love of all the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 5:8 is this God shows his love for us in that while

Parish of Duffus, Spynie and Hopeman First Sunday of the month, united service 10.30am. On other Sundays, services are 10am at Hopeman and 11.30am at Duffus or Spynie. Call Rev. Jenny Adams on 01343 830276. www.duffusparish.co.uk Pluscarden Abbey Weekday Mass 9am. Sunday Mass 8am - English and 10am - Latin. See www.pluscardenabbey.org/services for full timetable of services.

St Andrews-Lhanbryde and Urquhart Parish Church Sundays 11am including young church and crèche. Evening services 7pm on last Sunday of month at St Margaret's Hall, Urquhart.

St Gerardine’s High Church Lossiemouth. Sunday family worship 11.30am. Contact Rev. G McKee 01343 208852 (manse).

St Giles and St Columba’s South Elgin. All Sunday services start at 10.30am and will be held in St Giles, High Street, Elgin during July, September and November. Services will also be held in St Columba’s South Church, Duff Avenue, Elgin during August, October and December 2016. For further information please contact the Church Office on 01343 551501 or via e-mail at stgileselgin@gmail.com You

page 6 - February 2019

What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

tel: 01309 690063

we were still sinners, Christ died for us. You see that? The love the Father has for the Son is perfect, He delights in His son, they had always enjoyed a perfect relationship. Yet God the Father gave His Son, the darling of heaven over to death to bring a rebellious people to Himself.

Sacrificing Him, not to make Him love us - He gave Him because He loved us. Mark Dever an American Baptist pastor says, ‘‘To understand the God of the Bible, we must have room both for His sin-hating holiness and His sinner-loving mercy.’ To understand this, to see ourselves as sinners, deserving of only the wrath of God, yet being sought out and wooed, though our sin is an offence to Him, so offensive that it demands a punishment. Yet to take upon Himself that punishment to bring us back to Himself is the greatest love of all.

Stephen Barton is a prospective pastor with the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches

can also visit our website at www.elginstgileschurch.co.uk St James’ Church of Scotland Lossiemouth. Sunday worship 10am including crèche and Sunday school. Contact Rev. Geoff McKee 01343 208852 St Margaret’s Church Lossiemouth. Sunday 9.30am: Family Eucharist . Thursdays 10am: Holy Communion.

St Michael’s Parish Church of Scotland Dallas. Family service at 12 noon followed by tea & fellowship. Tel. 01309.672380 or 01343.890420.

St Sylvester's Catholic Church Elgin. Vigil Mass Saturday 7pm.

Sunday Mass 11.45am. Tel: 01343 542280.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Pansport Road, Elgin IV30 1HE. Tel: 01343 546429. www.lds.org.uk

Listed from P - S and regularly rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed here and would like to be considered for inclusion or to amend any details please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Welcome to our February 2019 issue of SpotLight. You may have noticed that we have been running more editorial pieces lately and this is intentional and is designed to add some more interest to each issue. This month there are various items featuring Valentine’s Day including the occasional attempt at humour.

Somewhere in the magazine you will find a reply from a reader about the ‘Wild Haggis’ that appears to be making somewhat of a comeback to our countryside! We do hope that you enjoy this issue and if you feel that you have an interesting story for us then please do not hesitate to email us on david@winterburnmedia.co.uk

COUNSELLING Relationships & Addiction

Helping you to explore and manage whatever is happening in your life 5HODWLRQVKLS &RXQVHOOLQJ 0DUULDJH RU &RXSOH &RXQVHOOLQJ 6DPH 6H[ &RXSOH &RXQVHOOLQJ $GGLFWLRQ &RXQVHOOLQJ $EXVH DQG 7UDXPD &RXQVHOOLQJ %HUHDYHPHQW &RXQVHOOLQJ 'HSUHVVLRQ DQG¬6WUHVV &RXQVHOOLQJ 6XSHUYLVRU

PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes ADVERTISING ..............Susan Innes PRODUCTION .........Linda J Donald ART & DESIGN...............Flo Skinner ACCOUNTS ..................Alan Radley

For further details contact RAMONA

March Issue Deadlines

Editorial - Thursday 31/01/19 1 14/06/2018 Advertising - Tuesday 05/02/19

AM Cleaners aug 18.pdf

at

09:22

RH Counselling on: 07523 857 957

ramona@rhcounselling.co.uk rhcounselling.co.uk

Carpets & Upholstery Cleaned Are your carpets looking sad & depressed, spotty or downtrodden? If so, let me clean them for you.

Local, reliable, high quality service Call today for a FREE Survey and Quotation

01343 Colin 835383 or 07415 258342 Buchan - Moray Locksmith May 18.pdf www.amcleaners.co.uk

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC Colin Buchan MORAY LOCKSMITH Current Disclosure Scotland Certificate Held.

ID Produced on request

Wood and UPVC door/window locks & gearing repaired or replaced

01309 674328 Emergency service available 07879 265063 FAST, EFFICIENT and Friendly info@moraylocksmith.co.uk www.moraylocksmith.co.uk facebook.com/moraylocksmith

service covering Highlands, Moray and Aberdeen

1

30/03/2018

08:53

ALAN PARSONS PLASTERING & TILING

T: 01309 673014 M: 07547 857481 E: alanparsons@live.co.uk www.facebook.com/parsons.plastering Affordable Luxuries HEATING Jan 19.pdf

Looking for a HOME away from HOME?

MOTORHOMES FOR HIRE

1

Plumbing and Heating Services MORGAN HARRISON, 17 MAIN ROAD, ALVES, IV30 8UR

Pet friendly motorhome coming to the fleet from March 2019 07825 172891 U info@saltiremotorhomes.co.uk Strathlene House, Elgin, Moray, IV30 8NB

NATURAL GAS BOILER SERVICE

www.saltiremotorhomes.co.uk NATURAL GAS & OIL LANDLORD CERTIFICATES

£54

DEDICATED HEATING DIVISION RADIATOR SYSTEM POWER FLUSH

NEW BOILER SUPPLY & INSTALLATIONS SERVICING REPAIR WORK & MAINTENANCE

<HFI>MBMBO> K:M>L ?:LM ?KB>G=ER L>KOB<> )*,- , 1 . )*/ + )0 1*, 1 2 1 2 ,* i n f o @ a f f o rd a b l e l u x u r i e s . co R McGregor Jan17.pdf

w w w. a f f o rd a b l e l u x u r i e s . c o

1

14/12/2016 601299 13:50

R McGregor M O N U M E N TA L E N G R AV E R Additional inscriptions, Regilding, Raised lead lettering, Cleaning of headstones also re-fixing done in any cemetery Phone:01309671982 Â&#x2021; Mobile:07740950580 42 Randolph Lane Forres

03

Bring Your Body Back In Balance & Health For sustained pain relief & much more!

07969 563 830 teasy70@live.co.uk

Helen Teasdale Accredited Kinetic Chain Release Practitioner

EST 2000

CCTV inspection guarantees quality.

Triple filtered vacuum eliminates dust.

Power Sweeping Sweep ng offers the very best cleaning.

Free safety lighter

Fun-Key Fitness DLP QP H July 18.pdf 1 07/06/2018 09:35 Personal Training ~ Massage ~ KCR ~ Fitness Classes ~ Reflexology

ScotEng Sept 18.pdf

1

08/08/2018

16:27

Ju st as k

07766 164301 www.allmorayschimneys.com

t 01343 830416 t 07743857913 t www.lindsaystorage.co.uk

Domestic, Commercial & Industrial Garage Doors Supplied & Installed

01309 671477 Garage Doors Security Shutters Bar Shutters Automatic Gates Car Ports and Patio Roofs

Scotengineering, Unit 3, Waterford Circle, Forres, Moray

Email: info@scotengineering.co.uk Web: www.scotengineering.co.uk

K McGregor

Ceiling, walls, floors and everything in between FHK@:G A:KKBLHG% *0 F:BG KH:=% :EO>L% BO,) 1NK

CARPENTER & JOINER New Builds Kitchens Renovations

KITCHENS

30% OFF

uPVC Doors Windows

BROCHURE PRICE

Cladding Commercial Work

KITCHENS BATHROOMS BEDROOMS

All trades supplied BATHROOMS

30% OFF BROCHURE PRICE

FULL PROJECT

Free Estimates

MANAGEMENT FROM START TO FINISH

No Job Too Small

FREE PLAN AND DESIGN SEVICE ALL TRADES AVAILABLE

07799 414872 s 01343 818220

)*,- , 1 . )*/ + )0 1*, 1 2 1 2 ,* 1

10/01/2019

12:38

kmcgregorjoinery@gmail.com

601299

W1400mm x D750mm x H840mm

i n f o @ a f fBuckie o rd a b lFurniture e l u x u r i e sHP . coFeb 19.pdf w w w. a f f o rd a b l e l u x u r i e s . c o

We Deliver in your area

TWO SEATER SOFA Available in: Grey Fabric, Brown Faux Leather, Black Faux Leather, Dark Brown Fabric and Sand Fabric

BUCKIE

Flooring Soft Furnishings Sofas Beds Bedroom Furniture Mobility Blinds

F U R N I T U R E

Mon - Sat

SPECIALISTS FOR OVER 30 YEARS IN CARPETS, BEDS, BLINDS & BEDROOM FURNITURE

9.30am - 5pm

www.buckiefurniture.co.uk

(Closed 1-2pm)

buckiefurniture@gmail.com

F LO O R I N G & M O B I L I T Y

Open all day Sat

45 Church Street, Buckie AB56 1BP

(01542) 832653

25/27 South St, Elgin IV30 1JZ 01343 542559

DAVID GUIDI PLUMBING Sept 18 2.pdf

1

DAVID GUIDI At GNF Cleaning (Elgin) Ltd we offer the highest standard of cleaning in the Elgin, Moray, Grampian and Highland areas.

So why choose GNF Cleaning (Elgin) Ltd? s Commercial and contract cleaning s More than 20 years of experience s Office and window cleaning s Reliable and professional service s Buildersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cleans s Property maintenance cleaning s Flood damage cleaning and restoration s Fully insured

Need a flexible, reliable and fast cleaning service? Call GNF Cleaning (Elgin) Ltd today!

01343 551 633 www.gnf-cleaning.co.uk

BOILER CHANGES GAS & OIL SOLID FUEL CENTRAL HEATING BATHROOMS NEW BUILDS POWER FLUSHING GUTTERS & DRAINS ALL PLUMBING & HEATING WORK UNDERTAKEN H: 01343 810765 M: 07751 821559 E: davidguidi@hotmail.com

06/08

SpotLIGHTon .co.uk

What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

Parliament Blog & Tide Times Last month I launched my campaign to ensure Fairer Hospital TV Charges for patients.

The current pricing system for bedside television in many of our health boards is extortionate and prohibitive, with some providers charging up to £9.90 a day.

Patients who can no longer afford expensive bedside TVs can begin to suffer from boredom, loneliness and isolation. This set of feelings is unlikely to aid recovery during a long-stay in the hospital.

What patients need is a better deal and now is the time for health boards such as NHS Highland and NHS Grampian to secure Fairer Hospital TV Charges as contracts come up for renewal. I will be pressing the Scottish Government and our health boards to look at all the options.

Edward Mountain MSP

Last month I convened a meeting in Forres along with the local community council to discuss the increasing reports of anti-social behaviour in the town.

I was pleased that we were joined by representatives from Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Moray Council.

The meeting provided an opportunity for local residents to highlight some of their concerns and seek reassurances from the various agencies about what is being done to address these issues.

As I made clear at the meeting, we live in a very safe part of Scotland but unfortunately the behaviour of a small minority can have a huge impact on the majority of local residents.

I am hopeful that following this meeting there will be even greater joint working between the agencies and local residents who have been concerned about antisocial behaviour and we can deal with this blight on our community once and for all.

If any resident in Moray would like to raise issues of anti-social behaviour or any other matter then please contact me at douglas.ross.mp@parliament.uk or through my constituency office at 63 High Street, Forres.

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR LOSSIEMOUTH IN FEBRUARY Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

F SA SU M TU W TH

AM 03:32 04:19 04:58 05:34 06:07 06:38 07:09

page 12 - February 2019

PM 16:03 16:48 17:25 18:00 18:32 19:03 19:34

As my campaign to end rip off parcel delivery surcharges continues, research I recently commissioned found that shoppers in Scotland are being forced to fork out an extra £38m each year for delivery simply because of where they live.

It’s incredibly disappointing to see that figures are rising year on year, despite support for the Fair Delivery Charges campaign from MPs, MSPs, the media, and people right across the country. The campaign is making a positive difference but given that on-line shopping is on the increase, so is the postcode penalty paid by households and businesses.

The authorities have thankfully begun to take action but it’s now time to put the foot on the accelerator and take more and faster action. It is also time for the UK government, that holds responsibility for regulation, to consider what more can be done, otherwise Scotland’s delivery surcharge bill will continue to get higher and higher.

Douglas Ross MP

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

F SA SU M TU W TH F SA SU M TU

tel: 01309 690063

AM

PM

07:40 08:11 08:46 09:24 10:10 11:11

20:05 20:38 21:13 21:55 22:46 23:52 12:31 14:00 15:13 16:10 17:01 17:49

01:16 02:38 03:42 04:34 05:22

Richard Lochhead MSP

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

W TH F SA SU M TU W TH

AM 06:07 06:50 07:32 08:13 08:56 09:43 10:38 11:52 00:38

PM 18:35 19:21 20:05 20:49 21:34 22:24 23:24 13:22

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

MELLIS FORESTRY CONTRACTOR SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS SOLD BY THE LOAD

W: mellisforestry.co.uk M: 07780735292 Miltonduff, Elgin

DW Joinery & Building Contractors Sept 18.pdf

1

Qismat Feb15:16 19.pdf 07/08/2018

1

07/01/2019

09:22

INDIAN RESTAURANT DW JOINERY & BUILDING CONTRACTORS s NEW BUILDS s EXTENSIONS s RENOVATIONS s LOFT CONVERSIONS s KITCHENS s uPVC WINDOWS, DOORS & CLADDING s ALL INTERNAL FINISHINGS FULL PACKAGES FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION

ALL TRADES SUPPLIED EWAN 07969 909063 Ewandowjoiner@gmail.com

Est. 1987 3 COURSE BUSINESS LUNCH From £4.95 - £10.95 Mon - Sat 12pm - 2pm

BUFFET NIGHT EVERY MONDAY Eat as much as you like £16.95

TAKEAWAY SERVICE ALSO AVAILABLE Free Delivery within Elgin on orders over £25 10% Discount on collected meals only Whatever the occasion choose the Qismat Tandoori for freshly cooked food and a personal friendly service.

Outside catering also available For bookings telephone: 01343 541461 / 540785 202-204 High St, Elgin IV30 1BA www.qismat.restaurant info@qismat.restaurant FB: qismatelgin TW: @qismatelgin

Recommended on:

118 High Street, FORRES IV36 1NP

Savoury Feta Cheese Muffin Muffins tick all the boxes—they’re loved by kids and adults alike, they can be sweet or savoury but always provide a satisfying snack, they come in handy individual portions, and they provide a truly endless variety of recipe possibilities. They’re simple to make, and a great way to experiment with new flavour combinations.

Ingredients: (makes 12) 4 cups plain flour 1 cup wholemeal flour 4tsp baking powder 1tsp bicarb. soda 350ml oil 350ml yoghurt 5 eggs splash of milk 200g feta cheese 1 bag of spinach, cooked

Method: 1. Line a 12 hole muffin tray with muffin cases, or grease well. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.

2. Sieve the flours, baking powder and bicarb. soda together in a mixing bowl, add the spinach and feta, then coat in the flour mixture.

3. Mix the oil, eggs, yoghurt and milk together and add 3/4 to the flour mixture, adding more if needed. Specks of flour should remain in the mixture and it should not be overmixed.

4. Divide the muffin mixture into the prepared muffin tray (fill the cases to the top) and bake until well risen and firm to touch.

SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY FROM OUR INVERNESS AND HUNTLY DEPOTS

Home Heating Oil Marine Gas Oil Tractor Diesel Commercial Fuels Oil Storage Tanks Call us for a free quote on 0800 224224 AK Cleaning Services Apr 17.pdf 1 22/02/2017 www.highlandfuels.co.uk

10:12

A K Cleaning Elgin ‘For all your cleaning requirements in Moray’

01343 552177 / 07789 811418

Commercial and Contract Cleaning Other Services:

Domestic Cleaning

One-off Cleans

Offices

Laundry

Rental Properties

Holiday Homes

Ovens

Ironing

Carpet Cleaning

Community Halls akcleaningelgin@yahoo.com

t to hear n a w e W U! from YO 2019 Re

ader Sur

vey

Spotlight is conducting a survey into what you feel about your monthly magazine. We want to know: t What you like t What you don’t like t What you would like to see included which isn’t already.

SMART PHONES, TABLETS, DESKTOP

STEP 1

www.spotlighton.co.uk

In order to contribute your views we would invite you to go to the home page of our websitenwww. spotlighton.co.uk and click on the survey button.

STEP 2 STEP 3

Enter your Email and Click Sign up

YOU’RE DONE!

moray hydrotherapy feb 19.pdf

1

14/01/2019

WHY NOT TRY MORAY HYDROTHERAPY POOL? Approved treatment for a wide range of conditions Fully qualified physiotherapist available Trained lifeguards in attendance NO GP REFERRAL NECESSARY

Why not visit our website for more details? www.morayhydrotherapypool.co.uk Find us on Facebook Call Forres Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre

Tel. 01309 672984

Hydrotherapy could benefit you!

Alternatively, if you prefer to just send us an email then please forward your comments to 09:17 Elgin QP.qxpadmin@winterburnmedia.com 12/12/2017 14:59 Page 1

This space could have been promoting your business!

SpotLight covers seven areas from the Moray Firth Coastline in the North to Turriff & Huntly in the East, Aviemore in the South and Inverness in the West.

Contact us for details of rates and sizes:

(01309) 690063

The Perfect Wedding Venue The Muthu Newton Hotel W

NAIRN

W

Wedding Fayre - Sunday 10th February 2019, 12 noon - 3 pm

The Chapel

The Wedding

Call our wedding planner who will be delighted to help you with arrangements for your special day The Muthu Newton Hotel offers the perfect Wedding Venue We are licensed to host civil ceremonies & partnerships with receptions up to 250 guests.

For further information call: 01667 453144 email: nwt.sales@muthuhotel.com

SpotLIGHTon .co.uk

What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

Useful Information

Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days Valentine’s Day Thurs14th Feb 2019 St David’s Day Fri 1st Mar 2019 Shrove Tuesday Tues 5th Mar 2019 Ash Wednesday Wed 6th Mar 2019 St Patrick’s Day Sun 17th Mar 2019 Purim (J) & Holi (H) Wed 20th Mar 2019 Hola Mohalla (S) Thurs 21st Mar 2019 British Summertime Starts Sun 31st Mar 2019 Mothering Sunday Sun 31st Mar 2019 April Fool’s Day Mon 1st Apr 2019 Local Holiday ‡ Mon 1st Apr 2019

Isra & Mir’aj Local Holiday § Palm Sunday Baisakhi - New Year (S) Maundy Thursday Good Friday First Day Of Passover (J)

Wed 3rd Apr 2019 Mon 8th Apr 2019 Sun 14th Apr 2019 Sun 14th Apr 2019 Thurs 18th Apr 2019 Fri 19th Apr 2019 Fri 19th Apr 2019

§ Elgin, Lhanbryde & Urquhart ‡ Hopeman, Burghead & Lossiemouth (H - Hindu; J - Jewish; M - Muslim; S - Sikh)

School Term Dates

for 2018/2019 (all dates inclusive) Occasional Day Elgin Thurs 7th Feb 2019 Mid Term Holiday Fri 8th Feb 2019 Mid Term Holiday Mon 11th Feb 2019 Spring Term Ends Fri 29th Mar 2019 Spring Holiday Starts Mon 1st Apr 2019 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 12th Apr 2019 Summer Term Starts Mon 15th Apr 2019 Good Friday Holiday Fri 19th Apr 2019 May Day Holiday Mon 7th May 2019

Occasional Day Lossie Mon 7th May 2019 In-Service Day Thurs 16th May 2019 In-Service Day Fri 17th May 2019 Summer Term Ends Fri 28th Jun 2019 Summer Holiday Starts Mon 1st Jul 2019 for 2019/2020 (all dates inclusive) In-Service Day Mon 19th Aug 2019 Autumn Term Starts Tues 20th Aug 2019 Autumn Term Ends Fri 11th Oct 2019

Bus Station, Elgin ...............................................01343 544222 Citizens Advice Bureau.......................................01343 550088 Dallas Village Hall ...............................................01343 890243 Dial ‘M’ For Moray Buses ..................................03001 234565 Elgin Community Council ..................................01343 540615 Elgin Library ........................................................01343 562600 Elgin Town Hall ..................................................01343 619900 Inverness Airport.................................................01667 464000 Lossie Library......................................................01343 813334 Lossie Swimming Pool ......................................01343 815299 Lossie Town Hall ....................................01343 813327/815309 Men in Recovery ............................info@meninrecovery.org Moray Cats Protection ........................................07837 342646 Moray Council.....................................................01343 543451 Moray Families Information Service.......................................... www.facebook.com/ MorayFamiliesInformationService Moray Leisure Centre .........................................01343 550033 National Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline ..........................................................................0800 027 1234 National Rail Enquiries........................................03457 484950 Pluscarden Village Hall ......................................01343 890412 Police Station ......................................................................101 Railway Mission ..................................................078419 85768

Greenwards Primary School ..............................01343 541661 Hopeman Primary School ..................................01343 830281 Lhanbryde Primary School..................................01343 842649 Linkwood Primary School ..................................01343 547782 Mosstowie Primary School..................................01343 547119 New Elgin Primary School ..................................01343 547587 Seafield Primary School ......................................01343 547792 St Gerardine Primary School ..............................01343 812251 St Sylvesters R.C. Primary School ......................01343 541453 West End Primary School ..................................01343 543161 Elgin Academy ....................................................01343 543485 Elgin High School................................................01343 545181 Lossiemouth High School ..................................01343 812047

Useful Contacts

SCHOOLS Alves Primary School ..........................................01343 850247 Bishopmill Primary School ..................................01343 547841 Burghead Primary School ..................................01343 835529 East End Primary School ....................................01343 542381

page 18 - February 2019

tel: 01309 690063

DENTISTS Apex Dental Studio..............................................01343 556606 Glassgreen Dental Practice ................................01343 553131 Laich Dental Practice ..........................................01343 816316 Smiles Dental ......................................................01343 541164 South Street Dental Practice ..............................01343 542729 Trinity Dental Practice..........................................01343 542697 VETS Miller and Swann ................................................01343 542255 Moray Coast Vets, Lossie ..................................01343 815335 Wards Veterinary Centre ....................................01343 544811 If you would like to add a contact or if there are any amendments to be made to existing details, please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

EASYMOVE REMOVALS Allan Murdoch Autobody Jan 17.pdf

1

14/12/2016

10:18

E EA AS YM SY OV MO VEE R E M O V A L S

Call us Today for your FREE Quote

Efficient, Reliable & Friendly A Local Service from a Company delivering nationwide

Over 25 Years Experience

Plans Plus Dec 18 new.pdf

1

28/11/2018

07912 424512 OR 01343 559594

%RG\ 5HSDLUV Â&#x2021; 5HVSUD\V Â&#x2021; ,QVXUDQFH WRUN Â&#x2021; %RG\NLWV )UHH (VWLPDWHV Â&#x2021; &RPSHWLWLYH 5DWHV Â&#x2021; 4XDOLW\ Assured &RXUWHV\ &DU AYDLODEOH Â&#x2021; 6SHFLDOLVW LQ 1RQ IDXOW Accident Repairs

(Workshop) 01343 569018 (Mobile) 07737 188990 22 Perimeter Road, Pinefield Forres Tree Services JuneEstate, 18.pdf Elgin 1 08/05/2018 www.allanmurdochautobodyrepairs.co.uk

FORRES TREE SERVICES LTD FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED

tÍ&#x192;5SFF 4VSWFZT t 5SFF 3FNPWBM t 5SFF 1SVOJOH

t "MM )FEHF 8PSL t 4UVNQ 3FNPWBM t )BSEXPPE 'JSFXPPE

01343 890 765

XXX GPSSFTUSFFTFSWJDFT DPN t JOGP!GPSSFTUSFFTFSWJDFT DPN

10:03

design consultants

â&#x20AC;&#x153;from inspiration to completion â&#x20AC;?

Also available for evening and weekend appointments!

3KRQH Â&#x2021; 0RELOH email: ctkplans@aol.com Â&#x2021; web: www.plans-plus.co.uk

Main Street, Urquhart, Elgin, Moray IV30 8LG

We offer a free, no obligation initial consultation

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING FOR ALL YOUR COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC REQUIREMENTS

Helping Hands provides an extensive range of cleaning services for the commercial & domestic sector at very competitive rates. Whatever your cleaning requirements, we tailor a handmade package to suit you.

We believe that keeping your workers happy and relaxed in their office or working environment is the priority for any employer. Any manager knows that a clean office and productivity go hand in hand.

Your home is unique, which is why our cleaning services are individually tailored to meet your needs. Our team of fully vetted, professional staff are trained to provide a high level of personal service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we guarantee outstanding results every time.

For further details call

Helping Hands

on 01343 831346

10

SPECIALISING IN HOME IMPROVEMENTS

barry ellis T: 07753 277168 E: bme11@hotmail.co.uk s all aspects of joinery work undertaken John thdoors, epainter 18.pdf 1 07/08/2018 s pvc windows, soffitSept & fascias s customer satisfaction, reliable & friendly service

10:21

For all your decorating needs Tel: 01343 209 302 Mob: 07742 135 000 Tilers Mar 17.pdf 1 14/03/2017 Email: Lossie johnthepainter17@yahoo.com

12:30

EPDM Flat RooĮng | PVC Fascia & GuƩering | Box ProĮle Metal RooĮng Roof Repairs | Maintenance | Joinery

Contact Robert of Lossie Tilers T 01343 815107 M 07837 821761 E info@lossietilers.co.uk www.morayepdm.co.uk The Ultimate Flat Roofing System

MORAY MASSAGE THERAPY Body Massage

U

Indian Head Massage

U

Reflexology

)Č­É°É&#x2014; *ČšRÉ? )É°Ę?ʢXĘ&#x2039;ʢɨ

%RÉźÉ&#x2013; É&#x2C6; :Ę&#x2039;ʢĘ&#x203A;Ę&#x2013;QÉ&#x2019; %RĘ?ɨ 0DČżVDČ°É? 7RGĘ&#x2039;ɨ

W: www.moraymassagetherapy.co.uk E: relax@moraymassagetherapy.co.uk MRD Flooring Jan 225115 17 .pdf T: 01343 552451 or 07734

Evenings and Saturday appointments 1 14/12/2016 also available

((B Buuck ckiie) e) L Lttdd â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘

13:25

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

......

CARPETS t VINYLS t WOOD t LAMINATES VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT: £äĂ&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;ÂŤĂ&#x160;,`]Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x160; 6Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C; 1 Ă&#x160;ä£Ă&#x17D;äÂ&#x2122;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2C6;Â&#x2122;{nĂ&#x17D;xĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;°Â&#x201C;Ă&#x20AC;`vÂ?Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}°VÂ&#x153;°Ă&#x2022;Â&#x17D;Ă&#x160;U iÂ&#x201C;>Â&#x2C6;Â?\ Â&#x2DC;vÂ&#x153;JÂ&#x201C;Ă&#x20AC;`vÂ?Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}°VÂ&#x153;°Ă&#x2022;Â&#x17D;

+($ $7 7,1* 352%/(06"

:LQWHU LV KHUH ZK\ QRW SUHSDUH QRZ" /RZ SRZHU XVDJH QR VHUYLFLQJ YHU\ FRQWUROODEOH $1' D FRV\ ZDUPWK

R

6HYHQ \HDUV RI VXSSO\LQJ JUHDW KHDWLQJ WR KXQGUHGV RI KDSS\ FXVWRPHUV DFURVV 6FRWODQG

(OVFR +HDWLQJ /WG )RU PRUH GHWDLOV DQG D )5(( LQIIRR SDFN RQ DOO RXU LQQRYDWLYH KHDDWWLQJ SUURRRG GXFWV ZZZ HOVFR FR XN RU SKRQH -RKQ RQ

EX-HIRE SALE 2nd - 9th March 2019 IIncluding:g:-

Kil from £140 Kilts 0 Jackets from Jack m £85 5 Sporrans Spor from m £30 and more! a re!

McCalls of Elgin 54 South Street Mccalls editorial feb 19.pdf 1 09/01/2019 09:37 01343 540590 www.mccalls.co.uk McCalls of Elgin, on South Street, are the ultimate Highlandwear outfitters, supplying exceptional UBJMPSFE LJMUT TUBSUJOH GSPN b BOE IJHI RVBMJUZ IJSF PVUöUT GSPN BT MJUUMF BT b

in the more Choose from the contemporary classics of the PRIDE range, or get kitted out traditional clan tartans. McCalls will always have something to suit. The range on

of prices

soon

is your offer at McCalls ensure everyone can afford a little luxury and coming very

a chance to pick up some Highlandwear items at a fraction of their usual cost in the once year â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ex-Hire Saleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Perhaps you have a wedding or graduation this year, want to buy a 21st birthday gift for that special someone, or even want a kilt to wear to sporting events,

then now is the perfect time to do so.

Sale begins on Saturday 2nd March 2019 with fantastic bargains on offer including:

t " XJEF SBOHF PG (FOUT ,JMUT TUBSUJOH GSPN POMZ b t +BDLFU BOE XBJTUDPBU TFUT GSPN b t (IJMMJF #SPHVFT GSPN b t 4QPSSBOT GSPN b P L U S M A N Y M O R E D E A L S T H AT A R E J U S T T O O G O O D T O M I S S .

They are also offering 20% off their current stock throughout the sale dates meaning there really is no excuse not to pick up a bargain. #VU IVSSZ BT UIF TBMF NVTU FOE QN 4BUVSEBZ UI .BSDI

$BMM .D$BMMT PG &MHJO PO PS WJTJU XXX NDDBMMT DP VL GPS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO

SpotLIGHTon FREE Listings, FREE to View, FREE to upload Promote your events in this section by going online at www.spotlighton.co.uk Register, key in details which will then automatically be printed in the magazine.

*March Issue Deadline: 31st January*.

Inclusion of events is free. We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops.Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes.

Rolling Events

7pm, tolbooth, forres. £5. hear the tale of the the brahan seer, a figure famous for his gift of second sight. tickets from forres credit union. call claire doughty on 07846 145050 or email at winter.talks@forresheritage.co.uk www.forresheritage.co.uk

31 thursday spynie soup & sweet lunch 12pm - 2pm, spynie village hall. suggested donation £3. duffus, spynie & hopeman church will be holding their first soup & sweet lunch of the new year. everyone welcome. call elsie watson on 01343 543914 or email at elsie.watson121@btinernet.com battle of the bands@ tooth & claw, inverness, tbc. grand prize £1,000 cash plus loads of runner up prizes to be announced! to apply to play please email venue-hire@thetoothandclaw.co.uk. over 18s

until 31 december 2019 moray supports refugees: appeal for warm clothing, toiletries, camping equipment & toys. volunteers, transport & cash donations welcome. please bring all you can spare! for collection points see facebook page at https://en-gb.facebook.com/moraycalaid

February 2019 2 saturday

January 2019 29 tuesday interfaith moray meeting 7pm - 9pm, st. sylvester's church, institution road, elgin. open meeting for anyone interested in sharing & learning across different faith traditions & stances. call jenny on 01343 830276 or email at jadams@churchofscotland.org.uk moray tenants forum (mtf) 2pm, elgin - venue to be confirmed. the mtf is a group made up of council tenants whose aim is to improve housing services & conditions for tenants. call tenant participation team on 0300 123 4566 or email at tenantparticipation@moray.gov.uk.

3 sunday whiskey shivers@the ironworks, inverness 7.30pm www.ironworksvenue.com soup & sweet, 12pm - 2pm, clochan community centre. adults £5; children £3. choice of 3 soups & 3 sweets with tea/coffee or juice. have a look through our books, you can swap or put in a donation

4 monday

30 wednesday the classic rock show 2019 7pm - 10pm, eden court, inverness. tickets from www.ticketmaster.co.uk forres heritage: winter talk - the brahan seer legend admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

sold on soul dance in aid of unicef doors open 7.30pm band starts 8.30pm, elgin town hall. £10 + 50p booking fee. soul band. licenced bar. over 18s only. tickets from sound & vision, elgin. call irene easton on 01343 544600 or email at irene_easton@hotmail.com mockchester with the complete stone roses@the ironworks, inverness 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com dougie sim@the seaforth club, elgin tbc

moray field club indoor meeting: the birds of dava moor; speaker - mike crutch of a9 birds 7.30pm, the lounge, elgin town hall £2 (inc tea & coffee). call sara marsh on 07840 285438 or email at

tel: 01309 690063

February 2019 - page 23

P u zz le Pa g e

Easy

Medium

Easy

Solutions to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s puzzles Medium

Are you a People Person?

Consider a Career at Kura …K Kura ura is a great place to work, with great people and a definite chance for progression …

Alan Couper, TTeam eam Manager u...

What we can offer yo ay nimum 28 Days Holid • Miinim e anc sur As e Lif & ion ens • P ary • Excellent Starting Sal embership M ym G ted oun isc D • e • Cycle to Work Schem ark Location P s ess nes sin usi Bu ic ast ant F •

• www.wearekura.com • 0141 272 1112 • recruitment.team@wearekura.com • Strathcona House, Forres Enterprise Park, Forres, Scotland, IV36 2QS

‘‘

‘‘

morayfieldclub@gmail.com piano recital: concert pianist steven osborne gives a recital of works by schubert & prokofiev 7.30pm 9.30pm, inverness town house. £15 standard, £5 students. call paul crowe on 01463 221535 or email at paul@paulcrowe.co.uk www.invernesspianorecitals.com

5 tueday friends of falconer museum (winter talk): stained glass of douglas strachan; speaker: dr juliette macdonald, school of design, edinburgh college of art, whose phd is on strachan doors open 1.30pm for 2pm , st laurence church, forres. £2 members; £3 others. call gordon scott on 07785 733237 or email at bayscott@hotmail.com

welcome. free (incl tea, biscuits &more). call steve gross (member sec) 01340 881569 or email at membersecretary@u3a-elgin.org.uk www.u3a-elgin.org.uk seaforth club Feb village 19.pdf centre.

1 03/01/2019 soup & sweet tbc, findhorn a selection of soups with a sweet. call 01309 692339

THE SEAFORTH CLUB 2 Academy Street Elgin IV30 1LJ

t: 01343 549494 e: seaforthclubelgin@hotmail.co.uk

6 wednesday around germany by motorcycle: speaker - duncan colburn on his 2018 tour of germany 2pm, st. ninian's church hall, culduthel road, inverness. undertook a journey around germany by motorbike in the summer of 2018 & will tell us about his travels. call richard baxter on 01463 571372 or email at richbax52@yahoo.com

6 wednesday - 27 wednesday coffee morning (every wed) 10.30am - 12pm, findhorn village centre. coffee or tea with cakes & gossip. call 01309 692339

7 thursday the story of guitar heroes@ the ironworks, inverness 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com

9 saturday 37th annual bothy ballads champion of champions 7 p.m., elgin town hall. £12. traditional doric singing competition. www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs the googie urquhart snowman rally: snowman rally 2019 8am - 6pm, castle heather, inverness music nairn: the primrose quartet; piano quartets by brahms, faure & saint saens 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre. £19, £15 & £3. call 01667 453476. www.musicnairn.org.uk bed head@the seaforth club, elgin tbc, all welcome

Entertainment for February: Saturday 2nd - Dougie Sim Saturday 9th - Bed Head Saturday 16th - Something Different Saturday 23rd - Graham Black

BINGO - Every Sunday - eyes down 7.30pm FUNCTION HALL available for hire Annual membership collection see our Facebook page for details SUNDAY LUNCHES available booking preferred

NE W MEMBERS WELCOME

13 wednesday

cars & coffee - inverness 10am - 12pm, rollerbowl, inverness. a quiet social gathering of like-minded car enthusiasts on the 2nd sun of month. www.facebook.com/carsandcoffeeinverness inverness orienteering club (invoc): anagach woods tbc, anagach woods, nr grantown on spey regional event. www.invoc.org.uk

the arts society speyside lecture: 'the nation's prize: the gripping story of how velazquez's rokeby venus was saved for the nation.' 11am - coffee & tea available from 10.15am, the williamson hall, duff avenue, elgin. new members welcome/£7 for visitors call mrs karen weller on 07789 880481 or email at twelk69@hotmail.com the clan donald society of the highlands & islands: massacre of glencoe 11am, glencoe. annual commemoration. st mary's church service; march to the memorial & lunch. please email the society re booking lunch at contact@clandonald.org www.clandonald.org

12 tuesday

14 thursday

10 sunday

elgin u3a members meeting: 'social isolation'; speaker - maria pabolaza-lacambra from the scottish government 2pm - 4pm, supper room, elgin town hall all members, & interested parties page 26 - February 2019

tel: 01309 690063

scottish studies: scottish education revealed through literature; speaker - dr hilary christie 2pm 4pm, elgin library, cooper park. £3 admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

12:

15 friday elgin rotary club gin & prosecco night for the mayega water project. africa 6.30pm for 7pm, johnstons of elgin. £30 each from johnstons & cathedral. a valentine celebration, with buffet & musical entertainment in aid of busega scotland mayega water project in africa. call john trodden on 01542 840967 or at trodden8@hotmail.com www.rotary-ibi.org/clubs/homepage

kinloss to lossiemouth half marathon 11am - 4pm, lossiemouth sports & community centre. all welcome. registration from 9.15 am- 9.45am, www.entrycentral.com clochan community centre car boot sale: indoor & outdoor stances 8.30am, clochan community centre pancakes, bacon or egg rolls, hot & cold drinks. pancakes to takeaway (£2.50 for 6). call christine or pauline on 01542 887764 or 882478

15 friday - 17 sunday

18 monday

cinema nairn 10th anniversary film festival: a weekend of scottish & scottish themed films various times, nairn community & arts centre. £5, £3 or season £30. call cinema nairn on 01667 453476 www.cinema-nairn.co.uk

16 saturday messy church 2pm - 4pm, st. leonard's church hall free. volunteers from local churches providing bible story, crafts, worship, games, food & fellowship call cath perry on 07796 766983 or email at cathperry10@gmail.com moravian orienteering: saturday & moray & nairn schools league: gordonstoun tbc, gordonstoun school, duffus. see www.moravianorienteering.org grant saunders hypnotist@the ironworks, inverness 7pm. www.ironworksvenue.com inverness fiddlers' rally 7.30pm, eden court £17; £15 Petstay Jan 19.pdf all welcome. call 01463 234234 1 04/12/2018 10:01 something different@the seaforth club, elgin tbc

PetStay ‘Love Dogs? Become a PetStay carer’

Book now for 2019

PetStay Highland & Moray www.petstay.net 01463 741267 catriona@petstay.net

16 saturday

snowforms: exhibition by david buchanan tbc, flow photofest wall, one touch corridor, eden court theatre, inverness. exploring the way in which snow transforms the landscape to create features that can be sensuous & ambiguous

17 sunday inverness courier highland wedding fair 12pm 4pm, eden court, inverness tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk page 28 - February 2019

19 tuesday trust fast health: exploding common health myths & offering fascinating insights into the workings of the human body; speaker - dr michael mosley 7.30pm, the empire theatre, eden court, inverness. £24.50; £22.50. call 01463 234234. www.eden-court.co.uk

21 thursday clan cancer drop ins with coffee 10.30am - 12pm, the clan cancer support centre, 227 high street, elgin. free. open to anyone affected by cancer with information & support available. guest speakers. all welcome. call 01343 544132

22 friday

t Could you offer a holiday home to a guest dog t Enjoy the health and social benefits of caring for a dog t Flexible, fun, earn a little extra t Meet your carer before you book t Experienced dog carers t Kinder and less stressful for your dogs t Licensed and insured

until

schools rock challenge: be your best foundation tbc, eden court theatre, inverness. open to secondary schools, colleges, academies, students with special needs & independent schools from all backgrounds. call 01463 234234. www.eden-court.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

courageous compassion, buddhist public talk by ven. robina courtin 7.30pm, sunshine room, 505 east whins, the park, findhorn. £15; £10; £7. the development of compassion is the point of the path to enlightenment; the spontaneous capacity to benefit everyone. call margo van greta on 01309 691240 or email at togmesangpo37@gmail.com www.togmesangpo.org.uk/february-2019 scottish rock garden club (moray group): the dolomites; speaker - andrew fraser 7.30pm, new elgin hall annex, land street, new elgin. call alan souter (convener) or amanda willox (sec) on 013440 871504 or 07787 289372 the inverness battle of the bands: semi final tbc, tooth & claw, inverness. 21 acts ranging from rock to hip-hop to acoustic to metal

23 saturday graham black@the seaforth club, elgin tbc

24 sunday children's classic concerts: gypsy jazz tbc, one touch theatre, eden court, inverness. £9; u18 £6. call 01463 234234. www.eden-court.co.uk

27 wednesday the moira monologues 6.30pm, performing arts admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

studio, inverness. meet moira bell, cleaner, single mother, & the hardest woman in falkirk forres heritage (winter talk): the legacy of trafalgar 7.00pm, tolbooth, forres. £5. take a trip back in time to look at the legacy of trafalgar. tickets from the forres area credit union. call claire doughty on 07846 145050 or at winter.talks@forresheritage.co.uk www.forresheritage.co.uk

August 2019 1 thursday - 3 saturday belladrum tartan heart festival 2019: sci-fi theme. acts announced so far include elbow, tom odell, lewis capaldi, the selecter, colonel mustard & the dijon 5, etc. booking now open at Boyle Plumbing Apr 18.pdf 1 06/03/2018 www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk

28 thursday moray society: the scottish dolphin centre; speaker lorna hall 2.30pm, elgin museum hall, 1 high street, elgin, £3, £2 for moray society members, £1.50. call mary shand on 01343 543675 or email at curator@elginmuseum.org.uk. www.elginmuseum.org.uk spynie soup & sweet lunch 12pm - 2pm, spynie village hall. suggested donation £3. duffus, spynie & hopeman church will be holding their monthly soup & sweet lunch. everyone welcome. call elsie watson on 01343 543914 or elsie.watson121@btinernet.com The Carpet depot Jan 19.pdf

1

30/11/2018

THE CARPET DEPOT

Andrew Boyle

PLUMBING SOLUTIONS PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEER COVERING ALL OF MORAY M: 07709 444310 E: boyleplumber@btinternet.com 10:41

Clan Sept 18 .pdf

1

09/08/2018

09:38

www.clanhouse.org #Livingwithcancer

ONE OF THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FULL ROLL CARPETS IN THE NORTH EAST!

HUGE SAVINGS NOW ON! WE HAVE BIG DISCOUNTS NOW ON ALL CARPETS AND VINYLS! 100s of room sized remnants to clear at stupid prices The more you buy, the bigger the discount We take all major credit cards Discounts on Full Rolls with over 500 Rolls in stock there’s something to suit EVERYONE! THE CARPET DEPOT THE DEPOT BOYNDIE, BANFF AB45 2AA The Old Council Yard Tel: 01261 843 921 Open: Thur – Sun 10.30am – 4.00pm admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

CLAN in the community Providing emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer, their family, friends and carers.

Wellbeing and support services are freely available to all, from pre-diagnosis and diagnosis through treatment and beyond at support centres across Moray, located in Elgin, Buckie, Forres and Lossiemouth.

tel: 01309 690063

Telephone: 01343 544132 elgin@clanhouse.org

Cancer support for all February 2019 - page 29

10

THE WILD IONA HAGGIS

Dea r Sir/ Mad am Refe rrin g to your scie ntif ic artic le in the Janu ary 201 9 edit ion of Spo tligh t, I was plea sed to see a serio us peri odic al repo rtin g on wha t man y peop le seem to see as a joke .

Befo re mov ing to the Isle of Lew is near ly two year s ago, I visit ed othe r islan ds, part icul arly Iona on num erou s occa sion s.

It is a littl e kno wn fact that ther e is, on Iona , a rare subs peci es of the Wil d Hag gis, Hag gis Sco ticu s Col umb anu s.

Sinc e Iona only has two sma ll hills , the Iona hagg is does not hav e the une ven leng th legs repo rted for the mor e com mon hagg is.

It pref ers to wad dle arou nd the shor elin e, espe ciall y favo urin g rock poo ls, whe re it hun ts for limp ets and win kles , hen ce its fish y flav our.

It is a shy retir ing crea ture , but I was luck y eno ugh som e year s ago to pho togr aph one near the shor e. On a late r trip, two of the hagg is were sigh ted. I am plea sed, in the inte rests of scie ntif ic rese arch , to atta ch thes e rare pho togr aph s.

Ala n

April 2002

November 2011

April 2011

April 2013 - after a swim!

Mobility Vehicle Adaptations giving you back control.

A wide range of high quality vehicle adaptations for either private purchasers or through Motability. We also offer a mobile fitting service when appropriate.

For further information telephone 01309 676677

Along the A96 in Forres Postcode: IV36 2GW

Swivel Seats

Wheelchair stowage

Steering Balls Chair Topper

21 West Road, Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres IV36 2GW (Behind Lidl) 0QFO .POEBZ 'SJEBZ BN UP QN t &BTZ QBSLJOH EJTBCMFE UPJMFU GBDJMJUJFT 01309 676677 t TFSWJDF!NPPSJOHTNFEJRVJQ DPN

Adult Fiction

Adult Fiction

By Peter May

By Bridget Collins

The Binding

Man With No Face

1979. Jaded Edinburgh journalist Neil Bannerman is sent to Europe, intent on digging up dirt. Yet it is danger he discovers, when two British men are found murdered. One victim is a journalist, the other a Cabinet Minister: the double-assassination witnessed by the former's autistic daughter. This girl recalls every detail about her father's killer - except for one.

Bannerman is compelled to follow his instincts. He is now fighting to expose a murderous conspiracy, protect a helpless child, and unmask a remorseless killer.

Adult Non Fiction

Emmett Farmer is working in the fields when a letter arrives summoning him to begin an apprenticeship. He will work for a Bookbinder, a vocation that arouses fear, superstition and prejudice - but one neither he nor his parents can afford to refuse. He will learn to hand-craft beautiful volumes, and within each he will capture something unique and extraordinary: a memory. If there's something you want to forget, he can help. If there's something you need to erase, he can assist. Your past will be stored safely in a book and you will never remember your secret, however terrible.

Then one day Emmett makes an astonishing discovery: one of them has his name on it.

Churchill: Walking With Destiny

By Andrew Roberts Winston Churchill towers over every other figure in twentieth-century British history.

By the time of his death at the age of 90 in 1965, many thought him to be the greatest man in the world. There have been over a thousand previous biographies of Churchill. The author draws on over forty new sources, including the private diaries of King George VI, used in no previous Churchill biography to depict him more intimately and persuasively than any of its predecessors.

Teenage Fiction

What if it's us?

By Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera Two very different boys, Ben and Arthur, can’t decide if the universe is pushing them together—or pulling them apart. A chance meeting at the post office, leaves them wondering what exactly the universe does have in store for them.

What if - in a city of eight million people - they can't find each other again? What if they do ... and then can't nail a first date even after three do-overs?

Adult Non Fiction

The Light in the Dark: a Winter Journal

By Horatio Clare Winter can be tough. Seasonal sadness; winter blues; depression such feelings are widespread in the darker months. But by looking outwards, by being in and observing nature, we can appreciate its rhythms.

Horatio Clare raises a torch against the darkness, illuminating the blackest corners of the season.

By learning to see, we can find the magic, the light that burns bright at the heart of winter: spring will come again.

Junior Fiction

Death in the Spotlight

By Robin Stevens

Fresh from their adventure in Hong Kong, Hazel Wong and Daisy Wells are off to the Rue Theatre in London to face an entirely new challenge: acting. But danger has a nasty habit of catching up with the Detective Society, and it soon becomes clear that there is trouble afoot at the Rue. Jealousy, threats and horrible pranks quickly spiral out of control – and then a body is found. Now Hazel and Daisy must take centre stage and solve the crime... before the murderer strikes again.

Hotel Ballindalloch

ACCOMMODATION RESTAURANT BAR SPECIAL EVENTS

Taking bookings for Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day Moray Artifical grass April 18.pdf

1

12/03/2018

11:31

The Delnashaugh Hotel, Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9AS T:01807 500379 E:enquiries@delnashaughhotel.com

As market leaders in luxury gardens, we know why people choose artificial grass. People want to have their lawns hassle-free!

We make our grass as it is meant to be. A pleasure to walk on, beautiful to look at and durable. The unique feature of Royal Grass is the special V-shape of our fibres with MiNT-Technology. Thanks to this shape the fibres stand up proudly and yet at the same time remain soft â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a pleasure to touch.

Please call or email us for no obligation quotes for your own special space.

01542 835330

info@morayartificialgrass.co.uk

www.morayartificialgrass.co.uk

Tarbet Sunset Martini

By James Sutherland of 56 North, Edinburgh, UK. "Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evocative of sky, land and sea, as the sun is setting on the day."

60ml Isle of Harris Gin 5ml Vermut Lustau Sweet Sherry Vermouth 3 drops Isle of Harris Sugar Kelp Aromatic Water Sprig of fresh Thyme Pink Grapefruit peel

1. Place bottle of Isle of Harris Gin in freezer until ice cold.

2. Place a large block of ice into a mixing glass.

3. Add the gin, Vermut, aromatic water and thyme to the mixing glass.

4. Squeeze a large twist of pink grapefruit into the liquid and drop the peel into the mixing glass.

5. Stir with a bar spoon for 2-3 minutes.

6. Strain slowly into a chilled coupe glass.

7. Squeeze a fresh twist of pink grapefruit over the drink and place into the glass.

8. Tie or clip a stem of fresh thyme onto the stem

freshness of pink grapefruit peel with the green notes of thyme, and the ocean notes of sugar kelp water. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

MORAY ADVANCED ali paterson ltd.

Motorists U windows U doors U U roofline UÊcomposite doors U

Motorcyclists (Scottish Registered Charity No: 033561 Affiliated to the IAM)

Drive and Ride with increased Ability, Confidence and Safety Enrol on the 'IAM RoadSmart' Course in Elgin Library DRIVERS - Thurs 14th March 19 7:30pm - 9pm for 6 weeks BIKERS - Tues 19th March 19 7:00pm - 8:30 pm for 4 weeks

tel mobile

Pitstop May16.pdf 1 12/09/2017 10:03 ali-paterson@hotmail.co.uk

CAR VALETING DETAILING SERVICE PAINT CORRECTION

Includes: theory & unlimited drives or rides to the Advanced Standard plus the Test.

(Bespoke courses available)

CARS, VANS, TRUCKS & MOTORCYCLES FULLY INSURED MOBILE SERVICE

Cost £149 – Limited Offer £134 Under 26 - £30 Cash Back Free taster session on WEEK ONE Olive you HP feb 19.pdf 1 673954 08/01/2019 www.morayiam.org.uk or 01309

01343 842752 07974 447268

21:41

CALL TODAY: 07877

316809

WWW.PITSTOP-VALETING-TINTS.CO.UK

olive you.

The Garden TOM ANGEL IS A

GARDEN DESIGNER, LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT AND

structures can overwhelm and suffocate a garden.

Similarly an abundance of small objects or differing landscaping materials in a garden can make it feel fussy.

CHARTERED HORTICULTURIST BASED IN

AVIEMORE.

TOM PROVIDES

CONSULTANCY AND DESIGN SERVICES AS

ANGEL HORTICULTURE LTD. TOM ALSO BLOGS AS ‘THE MOUNTAIN GARDENER’ WHICH YOU CAN FIND ON HIS WEBSITE AT WWW.ANGELHORT.COM Winter took a while to arrive this year, but as I write this it looks as if the snow is arriving any day.

There are always jobs to be done in the garden but this time of year is ideal for planning ahead too. With many plants having died back or lost their leaves we have a great opportunity to look at the structure of our gardens. In fact I really enjoy looking round famous gardens in the winter as without lush growth spilling out of all the beds, it is much easier to see the framework upon which the garden has been built. It is this framework that makes the gardens ‘feel’ nice to look at and be in.

We can do the same in our own gardens.

A common issue is one of balance. Look out into your garden now and perhaps you can work out what is throwing the balance off in your own garden. A big shed on one side, for example, needs to be balanced on the other side of the garden. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be another shed! The rule is that it needs to be something of a similar overall mass - a large bush or new tree might suffice.

Perhaps you have plants that are out of proportion for your garden? Many people have trees that are too large. Disproportionately large plants or

Harmony within a garden is important, but can be a delicate issue to work around. If you have too many of the same plants or materials going on in a garden it can become too formal, or just plain dull.

However, by simply including a few of the same species in several of your flowerbeds and in different parts of the garden, you can tie the garden together and make it feel far more intentional.

When it comes to your planting scheme perhaps you feel that some of your favourites are lost within the garden. The answer here is often to plant in groups. Hellebores are a great example here, on their own they can look a bit lonely at best, and downright miserable at worst! Plant them in a group however and you have an indispensable addition to your garden.

Maybe you feel you are lacking colour in your garden at certain times during the year. A great way to get round this is to decide to go to a local garden centre once a month for the next twelve months, and each time you’re there buy something that’s in flower. Hey presto, you’ll have flowers in your garden throughout the year in no time!

Hopefully that gives you a few ideas to be going on with. If you would like to see more of what I have been up to you can read my blog at www.angelhort.com

36

TIMBER BUILDINGS UK

TIMBER BUILDING SPECIALISTS

LODGES SUMMER HOUSES SHEDS GARAGES FIELD SHELTERS LOG STORES FULL HOUSE KITS CUSTOM AND COMMISSIONS

FULL PLANNING AND DESIGN AVAILABLE HIGH QUALITY, ENERGY EFFICIENT LOW CARBON BUILDS ALL OUR TIMBER BUILDINGS ARE CONSTRUCTED USING ONLY THE BEST QUALITY MATERIALS AT A COST THAT SUITS YOU UNIT 6 SHORELINE COMMERCIAL CENTRE COVESEA, LOSSIEMOUTH IV31 6SP TEL: 07375766357 EMAIL: timberbuildingsuk1@gmail.com

Crafty Corner Essential Oil Shower Melts Materials needed for this project: s 1 1/2 cups cornstarch s 20 drops peppermint essential oil s 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil s 1 tablespoon witch hazel (optional) s Food colouring (optional) s Water – 3 to 4 tablespoons to start, more will likely be needed s ice cube tray or silicone molds s medium size bowl s mixing spoon Here’s how you make this project: 1. Add your cornstarch, essential oils, witch hazel and food colouring to medium sized mixing bowl. Stir. It will be very powdery and clumpy.

2. Add water, starting with 3 tablespoons. Mix well - it will start as a dry, crumbly mixture. Add water, a few drops at a time and mix well. Then a few more drops and mix some more. Repeat until you get JUST past the crumbly point and the colou r is mixed in. If the mixture gets too wet, add a little more cornstarch.

3. Spoon the paste into the ice cube tray or silicone mold.

Gently tap / shake to work out the bubbles. Freeze for at least 1 hour.

4. Store your cold kicking shower melts in a cool, dry place or back in the freezer until you need one! Then just toss it on the floor of your shower for some peppermint and eucalyptus relief!

Did you know?

Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries

« Life Hack #322 »

If you apply traditional shaving cream to your mirror and wipe it down with a paper towel or rag, not only will you rid the mirror of smudges and streaks, but it’ll also keep it from fogging up during a shower for a few weeks. This trick is also useful for cleaning your glasses and car windows.

yo uâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll always have a p iz za my h ea rt. wood leisure Feb 19.pdf

1

11/01/2019

09:06

Robert Burns A Red, Red Rose 1794 O my Luve's like a red, red rose, That's newly sprung in June: O my Luve's like the melodie, That's sweetly play'd in tune.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear, And the rocks melt wi' the sun; And I will luve thee still, my dear, While the sands o' life shall run.

As fair art thou, my bonie lass, So deep in luve am I; And I will luve thee still, my dear, Till a' the seas gang dry.

And fare-thee-weel, my only Luve!

And fare-thee-weel, a while!

And I will come again, my Luve, Tho' 'twere ten thousand mile!

Robert Burns Love for Love

Robert Burns O Wert Thou in the Cauld Blast

1792

1794

Ithers seek they ken na what, Features, carriage, and a' that; Gie me love in her I court, Love to love maks a' the sport.

Let love sparkle in her e'e; Let her lo'e nae man but me; That's the tocher-gude I prize, There the luver's treasure lies.

O wert thou in the cauld blast, On yonder lea, on yonder lea, My plaidie to the aingry airt, I'd shelter thee, I'd shelter thee.

Or did misfortune's bitter storms Around thee blaw, around thee blaw, The bield* should be my bosom, To share it a', to share it a'.

Or were I in the wildest waste, Sae black and bare, sae black and bare, The desert were a Paradise, If thou wert there, if thou wert there; Or were I monarch o' the globe, Wi' thee to reign, wi' thee to reign, The brightest jewel in my crown Wad be my queen, wad be my queen!

Bespoke Memory Bears Unique

handcrafted

keepsake bears, from cherished clothing belonging to your loved ones. Keep precious memories alive in the form of your very own tailored bear. Handmade by Shona.

/i \Êä£Î{ÎÊx{ ÊÈ ÊUÊ > \Êà >°Ü `ÃJÛ À} ° iÌÊ Memory Bespoke Creations

peasWoods mine HP Shona

feb 19.pdf

1

08/01/2019

21:44

peas be mine.

Need a Kilt?

I also make "made to measure" traditional hand stitched kilts.

SpotLIGHT Garden

Brought to you by:

Moss and thatch removal – pre season (NOW) Many of you will be thinking about

with the scarifier, and then use

giving your lawn a good scarifying

blowers and sweepers to clean up

about now. Last year’s old thatch

the debris. I thought it would be

plus the usual build-up of moss over

worth including a photograph of a

the winter will choke your grass this

typical scarifying job in progress. This

season unless it is raked out. Ideally

might give you an idea of the scale

this should be done before you need

of the exercise – not for the faint

to start feeding and mowing your

hearted.

lawn. You can do this by hand with a spring rake, or many of you will have

Good luck !

a small electric scarifier/rake to help.

We use a much more rigorous blade scarifier which cuts out the thatch.

The small electric rakes are good for lifting off annual moss but aren’t powerful enough to tackle thatch.

Scarifying is usually a 2 man job for us as we need to do at least 2 passes

For more information about our annual lawncare plans from just £11.25 per month, plus useful downloads and photos, go to www.greenthumb.co.uk. Although GreenThumb is a multi-award winning national franchise, and is the runaway leader in the sector with one million lawns being treated, we are the family-run local franchise covering the wider Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair or Dave for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on 01463 229786 or email us at: inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

Alastair Watt

PRICES FROM

£11.25 MONTH

1st Treatment

FREE

01463 229786 www.greenthumb.co.uk Email: Inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

A History of the Snowman Rally (Written by Iain Campbell Snr & Jim McGill)

The first organised in February 1955 was a closed to club event using tarmac roads and covering over 350 miles. The inaugural event was run overnight with high tea available before the start at 10pm. Finishers could enjoy the luxury of a cooked breakfast for 7/6 (37p). Of course there was no Nomex racewear in those days. Instead the fashionable gear was Norwegian sweaters, with matching "bunnets". Interestingly, bunnets have again become a regular feature of the event since 1999 as a thank you to our volunteer marshals.

While 50 successful and highly competitive rallies have been organised, only three have had to be cancelled at the last minute. In 1969 lack of a sponsor forced the event to be cancelled; the world oil crisis led to a rallying ban in 1972; and two years later the RAC banned rallying because of the outbreak of foot and

mouth disease across the whole of the UK. In 1962 the mileage covered by the rally had been reduced to 250 miles. It was though, still an overnight event starting at 10pm, with a half-hour halt for fuel and refreshments . The entry fee was ÂŁ1.05 with a deposit of ÂŁ1.50 for the sealed watch carried in each car. The ÂŁ1.50 was refundable at the end of the rally when the watch was returned intact to the organisers.

Many of the trophies from that era are still part of the Snowman prize list. The organisers promised "a route of over 250 miles of typically highland terrain, but we have striven to eliminate untarred tracks, impossible time schedules, steep hills, and regularity sections" In 1959 the rally had two start points, Monte Carlo style, at Inverness and Elgin and such was the growing success of the Snowman that it had become

known favourably as "the poor man's Monte Carlo".

In 1964 Iain Sutherland, the outright winner, virtually had to be lifted out of his car as a frozen lump because he had removed the driver's door in something of a farcical, but nonetheless rapid manoeuvre.

Finding himself in a position where he needed to reverse in a hurry, Iain glanced in his rearview mirror to find the rear window completely misted up. Undaunted, he threw open his driver's door, peered into the dark, reversed at speed ... and ripped the door clean off its hinges against a rather substantial, but unseen, snowbank.

In 1967, the event ventured into the forests: 65 stage miles combined with a number of selectives on public roads to give a total competitive mileage of 300 miles throughout Inverness-shire and Moray.

9th Feb 2019 Inver nes s s now manrally.co.uk

The organisers permitted the use of studded (but not spiked) tyres.

Route books were issued one hour before each competitor's start time.

The overnight rally, which was popularly sponsored by beer-makers McEwens, began at 10.31pm on the Saturday from Inverness, finishing at Aviemore on Sunday morning at 11am, where lunch was available for the equivalent of 32p. Entry fees had increased to £4.20, no doubt the increase was due to the cost of using Forestry Commission roads.

The following year stage mileage increased to 100 miles, while the road mileage of 250 miles was used only as road sections as we know today. The rally started in Spean Bridge at 10pm and OS maps 27, 28, 29, 35, 36, 37, and 38 were required. Crews were warned in the supplementary regulations that smoking during the course of a special stage would result in exclusion!

In 1972 there were three classes up to 1000cc; 1001 to 1300cc; and over 1300cc. Total mileage was 300 with 100 miles of timed stages. The start was in Fort William at 9pm and the finish was at the Royal Stuart Motor Hotel, Inverness (Drumossie) at 7am on Sunday morning. By now the entry fee had increased to £12.

Service cars were allowed, but had to have pre-glued stickers fixed to the inside of the driver's rear

passenger window. And as an indication as to how things have changed, the programme advertised a new 2.0-litre BMW for £2,197.

The following year the first Snowman Rally ran in daylight and Roger Clark won the rally with the Esso Uniflo Ford Escort from a lowly seeding position of five. The highest seeded locals were A. Martin and Fiona Kennedy at 37 in an Imp; Vince Finlayson and Hector Munro, both also in Imps, were seeded 42 and 50, Terry Glendinning was in car 54 in a BMW and Dougie Riach was in car 58, a Ford Escort. Wilson Girvan was entered at 102 in another Escort.

The rally attracted a full entry of 120 plus seven reserves and 1973 also marked the introduction of the 60mph stage 'bogey', or target, for competitors.

1991 supplementary regulations said ‘As in previous years our sport is again having to endure excessive rising costs from both the Forestry Commission and the RACMSA, but despite this we are able to offer 50 stage miles for an entry fee of £148.’

Our 2005 Forest costs were £475 per mile plus £60 permit and insurance fees per car.

The Snowman Rally has changed dramatically since that cold night in 1955 when the first competitors set off, but we still get the same challenges of weather, testing roads, and luck, things just happen quicker than they did in 1955.

Valentine’s Day A History

Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes, and by 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology.

Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine’s Day greetings.

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentines didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known Valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London, following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a Valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realising the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Approximately 150 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine's Day the second most popular card sending holiday after Christmas.

GS E IN BL EW LA VI AI AV

Making care mean more in Nairn

Offering high quality, personalised nursing care in a homely environment

St Olaf Room Sui te

St Olaf Care Home

Meaningful Activities St Olaf Care Home offers luxury suites along with a range of services, including: s 24-hour nursing care for the elderly and those living with Dementia s Fine Cuisines - Nutritious meals catering for all dietary needs s Large, dual aspect deluxe rooms

s Event and activities programme s Hairdressing and beauty salon s Easily accessible and landscaped gardens s Private resident transport

Contact home manager Liz to arrange a visit on 01667 454 544

Liz MacRae

St Olaf Care Home Manager

Email: stolaf@meallmore.co.uk Web: www.meallmore.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/meallmore

St Olaf Care Home, Cawdor Road, Nairn IV12 5EF