SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie & District February 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

ELGIN, LOSSIE & DISTRICT THE NORTH’S FAVOURITE FREE WEE MAG

This Month Wedding Feature

FORRES TR TREE SERVICES RVICES LTD

Relaxed and informal guided walks dealing with the basics of birdwatching

FULLY FULL LY QUA QUALIFIED AND D INSURED

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www.birdingecosse.co.uk birdingecosse@hotmail.co.uk

07955 336955 QR CODE

EIGHT ACRES HOTEL & LEISURE CLUB, ELGIN

Wedding Exhibition and Fashion Show

FREE ENTRY March 9th 12pm-4pm

TAKE THIS

leisure club

membership

JOIN FREE in Febr uary

• Heated swimming pool • Spa bath & sauna • Extensive gym & squash court • Kettle bells & bootcamp classes

Spa Afternoon Tea ents Spa treatm tea n o o rn te and af

Perfect gift for Valentine’ s

ONLY

£35 per person

Friday February 14th

£25

per person

Includes three course table d’hôte dinner and show (from 6pm)

£10

Includes ticket to the show (starts at 9pm)

per person

The perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s

Available all year round Monday to Sunday

Spa Afternoon Tea offer includes one 30 minute treatment (choose from back, neck and shoulder massage, mini facial or mini pedicure)

plus afternoon tea (sandwiches, scones, cream and jam with a pot of tea) ... and full use of leisure facilities, including 20% off spa treatments

To book or for more information please call 01343 543 077 EIGHT ACRES HOTEL & LEISURE CLUB Morriston Road, Elgin IV30 6UL

Telephone: 01343 543 077 Email: eightacres@crerarhotels.com

WWW.CRERARHOTELS.COM

Full Crerar Hotels terms and conditions apply. 20% off spa treatments offer unable to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Kinloss Private Hire Call Steven

07824 775784 01343 For850061

Airport / Train Transfers, Work Runs, Nights Out and Bespoke Outings Example Fares Elgin – Burghead ............ £16-00 Elgin – Forres.................. £20-00 Elgin – Nairn .................. £20-00 Elgin – Inv Airport........... £45-00 Elgin – Aberdeen Airport £80-00 WHY PAY MORE?

3 Critical Features to demand from Your New Vet...

Moving to a new area is a challenging process for your family, your pet will be stressed by the process as well. At Moray Coast Vet Group we want you to know that we are here to help you and your pets settle into the area.

Why would you use us? Well it’s simple really, we have been vets in this area for a very long time and can offer your pet the following 3 critical benefits: to a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Accredited Practice, Access meaning your pet will be treated to the highest standards. convenient surgery locations making it easy to get to us Four day and night. and well equipped surgeries meaning we can treat all routine Modern conditions without the need to refer your pet.

So all you need to do now, for peace of mind for you and your pet, is call us to say ‘hello’ and we will do all that is necessary to register your pet with our practice. Oh, and we will call your old vet to request your pet’s existing notes, so we can be familiar with everything we need to know.

Now that is peace of mind for your pet.

Call us now on: CARING FOR YOUR COMPANIONS

Forres Surgery (main branch) 01309 672243 Nairn Surgery 01667 453161 Lossiemouth Surgery 01343 815335 Balloch Surgery 01463 794224 24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER 01309 672243 www.moraycoastvetgroup.co.uk

Kathleen Haden Clinical Director

Teaching clients how to get well & stay well!

If you suffer from depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, panic attacks, irritable bowel syndrome, PTSD or OCD take your first step to getting well again by making your appointment!

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To book call 01224 590886

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Monday Steak Night Steak Suppers

Friday Night ‘Fish@The Mill’ Choose from 5 Starters and 5 Mains

Starters

8oz RUMP STEAK £18.95per couple (normal price £29.00)

Prawn, crayfish and avocado cocktail, homemade bread and lemon salad ........ £5.75

8oz SIRLION STEAK £22.95per couple

Half Pint Squat Lobster tails ..................... £7.50

(normal price £33.00)

16oz RUMP STEAK £27.95per couple (normal price £43.00)

16oz SIRLION STEAK £33.95per couple The Old Mill Inn, winner of the ‘Country

Mains

Buy 2 F ish and on Courses ly pay

3.95

£

for you Pan roasted monkfish tails, wrapped in r starte r parma ham and served with a peppercorn sauce .................................. £15.25

Baked salmon and spinach gateaux, wrapped in puff pastry and served with a chive butter sauce ...................... £14.95

Inn of the Year 2012’ N.E. Scotland

TO BOOK YOUR TABLE PHONE

01309 641605

© Karen Barclay

PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS

I think that one of the most cruel remarks said about a person was that they were February personified. February is such a low month for many people. The weather is often cold and grey, the nights are still long and there seems to be little to excite most people about the month, unless of course your birthday happens to fall in this time. The joy of Christmas is passed and the hope of Easter has yet to be felt. Certainly there is St. Valentine’s Day, which for some people, the popular people, brought a glimmer of joy. But for many, even that is looked at with dread as they remember those teenage years when no card arrived and their lack of popularity was simply amplified in their own minds. And so, for many, February is simply a low point of the year.

And yet February can actually be a month of great hope and joy.

The first snowdrops of spring appear and the sweet smelling crocuses. The days are lengthening, there are longer days to enjoy and there is the good news of Easter just around the bend.

I think also that as Christians we have the added blessing of the fact that our joy is not determined by the weather or our circumstances. Remember what Jesus said in John’s Gospel:15:9-13 ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain

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in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. v17 This is my command: love each other.

This is not saying that you will be filled with joy if you send one another valentine’s cards. This means that the more we love other people with the love that comes from God, the love that wants the best for people, even those people you may not actually like, then you will be filled with joy. The more you can love one another, the more you can rejoice with other people then the more joy you will feel. If, on the other hand, you simply feel jealous for their success, envious of their good fortune, then you effectively rob yourself of your joy because you are not remaining in the Father by not loving them and wishing the best for them.

Let us turn that insult into a lie this month. Let us make February a month of true divine joy as we intentionally love one another with the divine love that is a gift of the Holy Spirit that we might remain in the Father and our joy complete.

Rev. Graham Crawford St. Jame’s Church, Lossiemouth

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Moray Grace Fellowship The Warehouse Theatre, Lossie. Sundays 10.30am. Contact Vic Cameron: 07738 260550 Email: vic.cameron2803@btinternet.com.

Website: www.moraygrace.wordpress.com 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. Contact Rev. Jenny Adams: 01343 830276. Website: www.duffusparish.co.uk St Andrews-Lhanbryd 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. Contact Andrew Robertson: 01343 843765.

St Gerardine’s High Church Lossiemouth. Sunday family worship 11am. Contact: 01343 813635.

St Giles and St Columba’s South Elgin. Sunday services 10:30am in January, March, May, July, September, and November in St Giles’ Church, High Street, Elgin. February, April, June, August, October,

page 6 - February 2014

and December in St Columba’s South & The Williamson Hall, Duff Avenue at 10:30am. Wednesdays 6:30pm & Thursdays 12.30pm at St. Giles Church. Minister: Rev Stevie Thomson. Call 01343 551501 or visit www.elginstgileschurch.co.uk St James Church of Scotland Lossiemouth. Sunday family worship 11am including crèche and Sunday school. 6pm: evening service .

7pm: Hands & Feet youth group. Contact Rev. Graham Crawford: 07817 504042.

St Margaret’s Church Lossiemouth. Sunday 9.30am: family Eucharist . Thursdays 10am: Holy Communion. Thursdays 5pm: evening prayer.

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

Sunday Mass 11.45am.Tel: 01343 542280.

Listed alphabetically from M to S and regularly rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed here and would like to be considered for inclusion or if there are any amendments to be made to existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

J.R HENDERSON & SONS LTD MEMORIALS OF DISTINCTION

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Learn the Magic of Drawing and Painting Complete Beginners, Drawing and Painting Classes with LYNDA LUCK BA, starting in April 2014 NEW FOR 2014 !! @ Logie Steading, Nr Forres Classes for those with more confidence, looking to explore new mediums and styles are available. Limited places so book early!

For more info Tel: 01340 831287 tอ &NBJM MZOEB MVDL!MJWF DP VL

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KITCHEN WORKTOPS

STOVES & FIREPLACES

info@elgin-marble.co.uk www.elgin-marble.co.uk

Fax

01343 556226 Visit our Showroom at New Elgin Road, Elgin IV30 6BA

USEFUL INFORMATION Chinese New Year Valentine’s Day Mothering Sunday British Summertime Starts Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday

Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days Fri 31st Jan 2014 Fri 14th Feb 2014 Sun 30th Mar 2014 Sun 30th Mar 2014 Fri 18th Apr 2014 Sun 20th Apr 2014 Mon 21st Apr 2014 Mon 5th May 2014

Spring Bank Holiday Father’s Day Longest Day Summer Bank Holiday British Summertime Ends Halloween Bonfire Night St Andrew’s Day

School Term Dates

Mon 26th May 2014 Sun 15th Jun 2014 Sat 21st Jun 2014 Mon 4th Aug 2014 Sun 26th Oct 2014 Fri 31st Oct 2014 Wed 5th Nov 2014 Sun 30th Nov 2014

for 2013/2014 (all dates inclusive) Mid-Term Holiday Fri 14th Feb 2014 Mid-Term Holiday Mon 17th Feb 2014 Spring Term Ends Fri 28th Mar 2014 Spring Holiday Starts Mon 31st Mar 2014 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 11th Apr 2014 Summer Term Starts Mon 14th Apr 2014 Good Friday Holiday Fri 18th Apr 2014 May Day Holiday Mon 5th May 2014 In-Service Day Thurs 22nd May 2014

In-Service Day Fri 23rd May 2014 Summer Term Ends Fri 4th Jul 2014 for 2014/2015 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tues 19th Aug 2014 Autumn Term Ends Fri 10th Oct 2014 Autumn Holiday Starts Mon 13 Oct 2014 Autumn Holiday Ends Fri 24 Oct 2014 Winter Term Starts Mon 27 Oct 2014 In-Service Day Mon 17 Nov 2014 In-Service Day Tues 18 Nov 2014

Police Station ......................................................................101 Bus Station, Elgin ...............................................01343 544222 Citizens Advice Bureau.......................................01343 550088 Inverness Airport .................................................01667 464000 Dallas Village Hall ...............................................01343 890243 Elgin Town Hall ........................01343 547767/562600-To Book Lossie Town Hall ....................................01343 813327/815309 Pluscarden Village Hall ......................................01343 890412 Moray Council.....................................................01343 543451 National Rail Enquiries........................................08457 484950 Elgin Library ........................................................01343 562600 Lossie Library......................................................01343 813334 Elgin Community Council ..................................01343 540615 Moray Leisure Centre .........................................01343 550033 Lossie Swimming Pool ......................................01343 815299

DOCTORS Dr Gray's Hospital, Elgin .....................................0845 4566000 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Hopeman ........01343 830269 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Burghead ........01343 835780 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Lossie ..............0845 3371190 Elgin Community Surgery ..................................01343 542234 Linkwood Medical Centre....................................0845 3376350 Maryhill Health Centre ........................................0845 3370610

Useful Contacts

SCHOOLS Alves Primary School ..........................................01343 850247 Bishopmill Primary School ..................................01343 547841 Burghead Primary School ..................................01343 835529 East End Primary School ....................................01343 542381 Greenwards Primary School ..............................01343 541661 Hopeman Primary School ..................................01343 830281 Lhanbryde Primary School..................................01343 842649 Mosstowie Primary School..................................01343 547119 New Elgin Primary School ..................................01343 547587 Seafield Primary School ......................................01343 547792 St Sylvesters R.C. Primary School ......................01343 541453 West End Primary School....................................01343 543161 Elgin Academy ....................................................01343 543485 Elgin High School................................................01343 545181 Hythehill Primary School ....................................01343 812014 St Gerardine Primary School ..............................01343 812251 Lossiemouth High School ..................................01343 812047

DENTISTS South Street Dental Practice ..............................01343 542729 Trinity Dental Practice..........................................01343 542697 Apex Dental Studio..............................................01343 556606 Pure Spa Dental ..................................................01343 541164 Laich Dental Practice ..........................................01343 816316 Glassgreen Dental Practice ................................01343 553131 PHARMACIES Alliance Pharmacy..............................................01343 542186 Bishopmill Pharmacy ..........................01343 547374 / 547393 Boots The Chemist ............................................01343 543311 G.F Duthie Pharmacy, Burghead ......................01343 835370 G.F Duthie Pharmacy, Hopeman ......................01343 830249 Lhanbryde Pharmacy ........................................01343 842531 Lloyds Pharmacy, 48 High St ............................01343 547065 Lloyds Pharmacy, 176 High St ..........................01343 542571 Lloyds Pharmacy, Lossie ..................................01343 812818 Lossiemouth Pharmacy ....................................01343 813095 VETS Allen and Matthews ............................................01343 544811 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 tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

page 8 - February 2014

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES

Parliament Blog

Clavie burning at Burghead has marked the old New Year of the 11th January and it is a real family occasion. As a regular visitor to the event it is great to take my two boys down, who are both full of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;oohsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ahhhsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the fiery spectacle.

When I was first elected for Moray I took the parliamentary oath holding a piece of Clavie, which is reputed to bring good luck.

The Clavie burning always brings back memories of moving to Moray and, with the family feel, it is definitely one of my favourite Moray events!

Richard Lochhead MSP 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

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Legal Will Writers of Moray

AM 00:01 01:22 02:42 03:37 04:19 04:55 05:27 05:58 06:28 06:58 07:30 08:01

The end of January sees Holocaust Memorial Day marked, which remembers victims of the holocaust. The theme of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remembrance was â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;journeysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - the journeys that holocaust victims were forced to undertake and the journeys we should all be making to create a better world and prevent such atrocities occurring again. I have been to visit former concentration camps at Auschwitz and elsewhere along with students from Moray secondary schools and they have been incredibly moving journeys where we have heard the experiences of holocaust survivors.

Equality and fairness is at the heart of how I approach my work as an MP and there are few more moving examples of why this is so important to the decisions that we all take on a day-today basis.

Angus Robertson MP

PM 12:39 14:08 15:16 16:05 16:44 17:19 17:51 18:22 18:53 19:24 19:56 20:30

AM 08:37 09:17 10:09 11:19 00:10 01:44 02:59 03:57 04:46

PM 21:07 21:52 22:50 12:54 14:25 15:31 16:26 17:14

FrontGuard - Steel door leaf with foam filled core. 11- point security. Classic, contemporary and modern designs.

Garage Door, Front Door and Security Shutter Specialists

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TH F SA SU M TU W TH F

OPENING NEW DOORS FOR YOUR HOME IN 2014

We offer a friendly professional and inexpensive service for Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney and Estate Planning, from Inverness to Aberdeen Free Info Pack - Home Visits - Wills by Post & Email

www.legalwillwriters.co.uk

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS

01309 671477

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tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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CHRISTIE’S HEATING & PLUMBING for for all enquiries enquirie es please contact

CARD PAYMENTS ACCEPTED

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Serving Fresh Cocktails, Champagnes, Fine Wines & Premium Spirits.

Served with Hand-cut Chips, Onion Rings, Mushrooms and fried egg

Enjoy the finest acoustic entertainment in comfortable surroundings

1 Bottle House Wine

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BOOK NOW FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

(Red, White or Rose)

All for the great price of Served Mon - Thu 6.30 - 8.30pm

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Booking advised

garden

Caring about...

Before Renovation

...complete Lawn Renovation.

A project this year ?

Many of you will, in your darkest moments, consider giving up on your lawn… too far gone… wouldn’t know where to start… best to get it dug up and put down a new lawn ! Replacing a lawn can be very expensive however whether you plan to replace it with a new lawn or even slabs or gravel. Consider this, a worn-out lawn can actually be renovated in situ at a fraction of the cost of removing and replacing the whole thing. I have included here a before and after picture taken just a few weeks apart last summer. I suggest there are 4 stages in the process, and you could either try this yourself, probably with some hired machines, or get some help (probably best as you have to live with the results for years to come).

1. Hollow tine Aeration removes thousands of cores, reducing compaction and allowing air to move in the root zone, encouraging microbial activity and root development.

2. Severe Scarification removes as much thatch as possible, allowing the seed to find the soil surface which always aids germination. Once the thatch has been removed it has to be cleaned off the surface by either raking or sweeping, using a leaf sweeper.

3. Seeding should be applied at a rate of 20-25gms per m². The seed, being on the soil surface, puts it in direct contact with the material that will help it germinate; it is however open to the elements and can be disrupted by heavy winds and birds’ feasting.

4. Top Dressing covers the seed. Many think top dressing should be a sandy soil mix. We actually use a lawn compost, manufactured from recycled green waste and therefore environmentally friendly. It contains nutrient to assist existing grass and promote good germination from the seed and aids good microbial activity. This is applied at 2kg per m².

All that’s required now is regular watering until the seed germinates (regular rainfall isn’t usually a problem in these parts). The best time to tackle this is June-Sept in Scotland, and that means starting planning now for your new lawn this summer. At around £2 per m2 to renovate, compared with around £12 per m2 to replace, it really is worth considering.

12

After Renovation For more information about a personalised lawn improvement plan for your lawn, from just £5 per month on monthly DD, plus useful downloads and photos, look us up at www.greenthumb.co.uk.

Although GreenThumb is the UK’s No.1 national lawncare franchise with over 200 branches, and treats half a million lawns, we are your local branch and cover the whole Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair or Fiona for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on 01667 460012, or email us at: inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

Find us online at: www.greenthumb.co.uk

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Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area

*Deadline for the March Issue: Friday, 31st January* Email: tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk Telephone: 01309 690063 Inclusion of events in What’s On is free.

We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops.

Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes to events.

JANUARY 2014 31 friday scottish rock garden club, moray group members’ night 7:30pm, new elgin hall annexe, land street, new elgin. short talks on plants, flowers & gardens in a variety of localities plus a quiz. call 01340 871504

FEBRUARY 2014 1 saturday sold on soul dance in aid of unicef doors open 7:30pm in elgin town hall. tickets £10 available from sound & vision, south street, elgin or phone 01343 544600. over 18's only. licensed bar. coffee morning 10am - 12pm, holy trinity church hall, elgin. usual stalls & raffle. adults £2 children 50p. all welcome. craft fair and pop up vintage cafe 12pm - 4pm, duffus village hall, duffus. call jo ross 07708 939238 lhanbryde community centre quiz night 7pm for 7.30pm. £2 pp, teams of up to four. byob.

1 saturday - 2 sunday buccaneer theatre club presents 'sleeping beauty' 2pm at raf lossiemouth tickets £6 adults /£5 concs, family & group tickets available. 07930 361721

2 sunday orienteering at lossiemouth high school all ages and abilities welcome. euromeet take 2. 3 courses. refreshments. visit www.moravianorienteering.org. fundraiser for lossiemouth high india 2014 trip. the loft activity open day east grange, kinloss. please call 01343 850111 for details or facebook/eastgrange

7 friday cinema nairn celebrates the winter olympics with 'cool runnings' 7:30pm at nairn community & arts centre. tickets at door. for more information visit cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk

8 saturday scooty & the skyhooks @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com music nairn presents ‘doric string quartet’ playing haydn, janacek and beethoven 7:30pm at nairn community and arts centre. www.musicnairn.org.uk or call 01667 455701

9 sunday orienteering at altyre 10:30am - 12pm, altyre sawmill, near rafford. moravian\'s big winter event with a choice of 8 different routes to tackle from 2 km to 10 km. a great day out for everyone from toddlers who love the outdoors to hardened adventure runners!

NAIRN

Nairn Community & Arts Centre Your local venue for films, shows, concerts, and parties. Wide range of activities for all ages.

FEBRUARY EVENTS Fri 7th..................Cinema Nairn “Cool Runnings” (PG) 1993 Sat 8th............. Music Nairn- “Doric Quartet” String Quartet Sat 22nd............................Feis Workshops & Family Ceilidh Fri 28th........... Cinema Nairn – “A Very Long Engagement”

7 friday - 8 saturday

(PG) 2004 English subtitles

buccaneer theatre club presents 'sleeping beauty' Fri at 7.30pm, Sat 2pm & 7:30pm at raf lossiemouth tickets £6 adults /£5 concs, family and group tickets available. box office:- 07930 361721 admin@spotlighton.co.uk

For further details, telephone 01667 453476, e-mail info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

February 2014 - page 17

MORAY GOLF CLUB www. m or a y g ol f.c o.uk

Come and Celebrate our 125th Anniversary with us Various Membership Styles Available

at Culbin Forest

21 friday ‘hms defiant’ - moray inshore rescue organisation film night 7pm for 7:30pm, milne institute, findhorn. bring your friends & enjoy a glass of wine & an evening out.

22 saturday orienteering at lhanbryde - the crooked wood 10:15am - 11:15am at lhanbryde primary school.

2 km short course or more challenging 4 km route. refreshments in aid of lhanbryde primary school. visit www.moravianorienteering.org

26 wednesday

Pay by Direct debit instalments

scottish rock garden club, moray group 7:30pm, nairn community centre. cliff booker, srgc travelling speaker “definitive dolomites”. call 01340 871504 for details. diabetes uk moray a.g.m. 7pm - 9pm, in the inkwell at elgin youth cafe, francis place, elgin. richard carey, ceo grampian nhs will discuss diabetes care in grampian and in moray in particular.

Moray Golf Club with its Championship Courses is a great place to be!

Contact us on: 01343 812018 or email: secretary@moraygolf.co.uk

27 thursday

messy church 4pm - 6pm, lhanbryde community centre. join us for crafts, games, songs, bible story and ending with a celebration family tea. all welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. for further details please contact 01343 843765 or see www.salucofs.wordpress.com

moray society lecture 2pm, elgin museum hall. a lecture on ‘church interiors in moray’ by marion yool, nadfas. df concerts presents: the stranglers + nine below zero @ ironworks 7pm. over 14s (u16s with adult). call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

14 friday

28 friday

the rat pack is back! valentines special @ ironworks 7:30pm. u16s must be accompanied by an adult. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

15 saturday

macmillan cancer support (forres) ceilidh with 'the dunphail ceilidh band' 7:30pm, mosset tavern, forres. £10, includes stovies. tickets from beaver travel, the washington, committee members & forres gazette office. contact sue hellon on 01309 678875

gig in the cowshed @ the loft for more information visit facebook/eastgrange for details.

LADS presents

17 monday elgin and district parkinson's support group meeting 7:30pm, williamson hall, duff avenue, elgin

20 thursday

by Richard Harris (A comedy featuring tap dancing)

paper aeroplanes @ ironworks 7:30pm. over 14s. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

20 thursday - 22 saturday LADS present ‘stepping out’ by richard harris 7:30pm every night plus a 2:30pm matinee on saturday at the holy trinity church hall, elgin. tickets £10 / £8 concs, include refreshments. details from estelle on 01343 544610 or email info@ladselgin.co.uk

page 18 - February 2014

“Stepping Out”

tel: 01309 690063

Holy Trinity Church Hall, Elgin Thurs 20th & Fri 21st February at 7:30pm Sat 22nd February at 2:30pm & 7:30pm Tickets £10 (concs £8) includes refreshments

Phone LADS box office on 07908 013417 or email info@ladselgin.co.uk admin@spotlighton.co.uk

plumbers electricians shopping professionals dentists builders hotels cleaning health fashion eating training gardening plumbers electricians shopping professionals dentists builders hotels cleaning health fashion eating training gardening plumbers electricians shopping professionals dentists builders hotels cleaning health fashion eating training gardening plumbers electricians shopping professionals dentists builders hotels cleaning health DOMESTIC SERVICES

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Within the comfort of your own home. Going that “extra mile” so you don’t have to. IDEAL

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Merry Maids of Moray Domestic Cleaning (Regular; one-off; end-of-tenancy; builders)

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES abconsultancy

Moray Tribal Dance Tribal & Tribal Fusion Belly Dancing Classes Contact: Mel

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FOOD & DRINK Findhorn Piers Café Coffee, homemade baking or something more filling.

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GARDEN SERVICES Christie Elite Nurseries Cell-Grown & Bare-Root Trees for Forestry. Hedging

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Plans drawn for new houses, alterations, and extensions Contact: Colin Keir

01343 842635 ctkplans@aol.com www.plans-plus.net

PROPERTY SERVICES C & S Ames Tapers Plasterer & Paintwork Specialist Contact: Steve

01309 676348 07718 996014 steve99baker@hotmail.co.uk

SPORT & LEISURE Beaver Travel Well Travelled...

Kirsty Wright

Forres: 01309 672203.

Elgin: 01343 548844. www.beavtrav.com

Sports and Remedial Massage Therapist

Royal Findhorn Yacht Club

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Phone or Text: 07857 313138 Or Email: homecookmoray@gmail.com Website: www.home-cook.biz Jayne Millar – Founder of Home Cook

Accountancy, Book-keeping, Business & HR/Recruitment Services, Payroll Contact: Audrey Boyd

01479 821184 07855 909314

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WHERE TO EAT IN MORAY

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There were so many superlatives bouncing across the dinner table that fittingly describe our visit to The 1629 Restaurant in Lossiemouth on the last weekend of the Old Year.

These included “stunning,” “magnificent,” “heavenly,” “superb,” “exquisite” and many more – not only in recognition of the delights eaten, but also to reflect the marvelous friendliness and impeccable service offered by all the staff involved in creating a memorable evening.

From the outset we were made to feel really special with every attention to detail. There are menus to suit all tastes; ‘Supper,’ ‘A la carte’ and ‘Specials’ - each with a mouth-watering array of delights to tempt us - and friendly staff to explain the dishes where necessary!

As starters we tried three dishes which were Lobster Bisque, Cullen Skink and Haggis Cannelloni. The Lobster Bisque was “to die for” especially as, tucked under the surface, was a whole lobster claw (shelled of course) that was “huge” and “gorgeous” to eat.

My Cullen Skink was more than excellent (and I am a bit of a Cullen Skink expert!). It was full of delicate flakes of smoked haddock and other fish too, I believe, together with generous pieces of potato, and it was probably the creamiest of soups I’ve ever tasted.

The Haggis Cannelloni was selected from the ‘Scottish Specials’ board and was accompanied by typically Mediterranean sauce – tomatoes, chorizo, herbs, spices and more. What a terrific start!!

The Wine List was most extensive, and those who wanted wine enjoyed a pleasing and smooth carafe of the house red.

Again we had three different main courses; a Salmon dish, Scampi and a Chicken with Wild Mushroom sauce. That sounds like simplicity itself, but the way these simple foods were prepared, cooked and served left us swooning with pleasure. My Chicken with Wild Mushroom sauce on a bed of rice was divine – slices of chicken breast in a creamy sauce of really tasty baby wild mushrooms, all infused expertly with basil and other herbs. The Salmon was cooked to perfection and was lying on a bed of crushed prawn and mackerel pieces aided by yet another deeply and well-flavoured sauce. The Scampi were large, succulent and lightly battered (though bread crumbed scampi was also available) and the accompanying chips were “beautiful.” The homemade Tartare Sauce was so creamy that fingers were constantly being dipped into it!!

Homemade Lemon Meringue pie was our choice of dessert which we shared between us.

It was deep and dreamy - the lemon filling was not tart and seemed to include a hint of mango, and the meringue not overly sweet, which can often be the case. Mmm! The whole evening was an absolute delight. No less than 6 friendly faces regularly appeared to ensure that our evening would pass without a hitch and that we would leave happy. There was no waiting to have dirty plates removed or empty glasses taken away. Similarly there was only a short break between courses. Our grateful thanks go to David, his daughter’s Erin and Julie, the chefs and all the waiting staff for making one meal an experience to remember.

We recommend that you go there soon – and remember to book as it can get quite busy!

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disappointment Book your table early to avoid

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travel

Dreaming of...

MOROCCO A very popular destination currently is Morocco.

This amazing country has thrived on being at the north end of the Sahara Desert and on the trade route to Europe. We spent three nights in Marrakech, 3 nights in the Atlas Mountains and 3 nights on the West coast.

In Marrakech we walked for miles taking in all the sights, sounds and smells which make it such an extraordinary and vibrant city. We enjoyed the Djemaa El Fna Square with its music, snake charmers, street entertainers and stalls selling delicious freshly squeezed orange juice and in the evening hundreds of barbeques seem to appear from nowhere.

The rabbit warren of the Souks are unlike anything we had seen before. We stayed in a wonderful Riad within the Medina. The staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly and our room combined Moroccan style with a contemporary twist and we enjoyed being able to lie back and rest on our own roof terrace. It was one of the best places we have ever stayed in but was a world away from what we found outside the Riad and by the time we moved on we had really had enough of being hassled endlessly to buy things. Beware the carpet stores, serving peppermint tea and being very persuasive!

From Marrakech we went into the Atlas Mountains for three nights of peace and tranquillity.

The weather was lovely and we enjoyed a few walks through the hills passing small hamlets where children who appeared from nowhere were not sure whether to hide or ask for 'bonbons' and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stylosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (pencils). We were then driven west across the country to Essaouira, a charming fortified emplacement created by the Portuguese in the 15th Century, which is now an unspoilt fishing port â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not a bar or club to be seen! We found excellent fish restaurants and stayed in another excellent Riad with a roof top pool. There are miles of lovely beaches and at other times of the year the Atlantic breezes attract windsurfers. The early morning drive back to Marrakech was fantastic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it was market day in one of the towns and we watched hundreds of men riding across fields on donkeys draped with panniers bringing their wares to market â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it was an unforgettable and almost biblical sight.

Morocco is ideal for a long weekend or for longer multi-centre journeys as we did. Riads are smaller boutique hotels with central atriums open to the skies and roof terraces, negating the need for widows to the exterior, and Kasbahs are larger guest houses with grounds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both are generally very characterful and certainly a contrast to a normal city hotel. Temperatures in the towns and cities are comfortable all year round, becoming hotter from June to October, and being really at their hottest from July to September.

Evenings tend to be cooler, and in the mountains it can also be cooler all of the time. The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham, not generally available outside the country, but it gives good value for money.

24

Information kindly supplied by

2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 Â&#x2021; +LJK Street, FRUUHV

LOCAL DEPARTURES ABERDEEN

INVERNESS

Lake Garda Lake Garda 19 October .................from ÂŁ499 12 October .................from ÂŁ527 Sorrento and the bay Sorrento and the Bay of Naples of Naples 21 June.......................from ÂŁ599 18 October .................from ÂŁ599 Dubrovnik Riviera Sicily 04 October .................from ÂŁ699 13 October ................from ÂŁ605

All prices are for direct departures, for per person, per week B&B based on 2 adults sharing.

ELGIN 01343 548844

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Winter Open Competitions

M OTO R FAC TO R S & AU TO S TO R E "ÂŤÂŤÂ&#x153;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x160; >VÂ&#x17D;iÂ&#x2DC;âÂ&#x2C6;iĂ&#x160;EĂ&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2C6;VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2026;>Â&#x2DC;Â&#x17D;

For all your winter motoring needs, including... ...Batteries, Full range of Battery Chargers & Jump Leads, -30OC Windscreen Wash, De-Icer, Osram Night Breaker 100% Bright Bulbs, Portable Snow Shovels, Car Covers, Low-Sun Visors, Wiper Blades (Fitted FREE) and much, much more.... All at fantastic prices! ÂŁxĂ&#x160; , - "*Ă&#x160; 1-/, Ă&#x160; -/ / ]Ă&#x160; ",, -Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;/ \Ă&#x160;ä£Ă&#x17D;äÂ&#x2122;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x2021;nĂ&#x17D; 8\Ă&#x160;ä£Ă&#x17D;äÂ&#x2122;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x2C6;ÂŁĂ&#x2C6;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;°`Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;Â?Â&#x153;ÂŤÂ&#x201C;Â&#x153;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;v>VĂ&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;°VÂ&#x153;°Ă&#x2022;Â&#x17D;

HALL

IN LEASK ROAD, FORRES, IV36 1SW

FOR HOURLY LET

*EFBM GPS "(.T t #SJEHF t 1JMBUFT t 4MJNNJOH $MVCT t 5BMLT 8IJTU %SJWFT t 8PSLTIPQT t :PHB t 'SFF QBSLJOH OFBSCZ ,JUDIFO FRVJQQFE XJUI DSPDLFSZ t 5FB DPGGFF NBLJOH GBDJMJUJFT 4FBUJOH GPS t 3FBTPOBCMF 3BUFT

To Book Tel: 01309 691226 or email: leaskroad1226@gmail.com

Winter Open Competitions Every Sunday Every Sunday 9am - 12noon 9 am-12 noon Till 1st March 2014 Contact webpage moredetails details See webpage forfor more

www.kinloss-golf.co.uk www.kinloss-golf.co.uk

IDEAL GIFT FOR XMAS Offer ends 24th Dec

Nov 2013 - March2014 2015 New Membership Full ÂŁ295 Full Membership Membership ÂŁ315 Senior Membership ÂŁ225 Senior Membership ÂŁ240 Country Membership ÂŁ225 Country Membership ÂŁ240 Junior Membership ÂŁ60 Junior Membership ÂŁ60 Winter Membership Young AdultOct Membership ÂŁ195 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mar 2014 (under 23) ÂŁ85 and ÂŁ50 off 2014 membership Tel: 01343 850585 Tel: 01343 850585

recipe

Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Confidential Spiced Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup Ingredients 2 medium size sweet potatoes (peeled) 1 red pepper 1 small onion (peeled) 1 clove of garlic crushed 1 carrot (peeled and grated) 1 table spoon of curry powder 1 table spoon of paprika A knob of butter 1 tin of chopped tomatoes 1 litre of vegetable stock Salt and pepper Small handful of fresh coriander Method Roughly chop the sweet potatoes, onion and pepper.

Heat a thick based pan and slowly sweat all the vegetables with the butter, curry powder, paprika and garlic for 10 minutes.

Add the tin of tomatoes and vegetable stock, simmer for 1 hour until all the vegetables are soft ensure the soup does not go too thick. Add a little water if necessary.

Take off the heat and liquidise.

Return to the heat; chop the coriander and add it.

Season with salt and pepper.

If the soup is too thick add a little more vegetable stock.

26

Recipe supplied by Head Chef, Steven Munro

easy to call • easy to click • easy to go ONLY SCOTTISH COMPANY LIKE US OPEN ‘TIL 9PM! Hotels with include leisure facilities.

DBB = Dinner, bed & breakfast BB = bed & breakfast.

MO R E BREAK AVAILA S B TO BOO LE K ONLIN & ON T E H PHONE E

We’ll price match if you find any of our breaks at a better price elsewhere!*

SSE HYDRO ARENA GLASGOW

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE 28th March

11th April

2 nights ONLY £16

2 nights ONLY £16 5

per person

per person

Includes: • Ticket to Dancing on Ice at the SSE Hydro Arena on the Friday night • Stay at Menzies Hotel, Glasgow • Dinner in the hotel on Saturday night • Accommodation on bed and breakfast basis

2 nights

Includes: • Ticket to West Side Story at the Edinburgh Playhouse on the Friday night • Stay at Thistle Edinburgh City Centre, The King James • Dinner in the hotel on Saturday night • Accommodation on bed and breakfast basis

PERTH

ST ANDREWS

Huntingtower Hotel

Fairmont St Andrews

February to March

£88 DBB

Call 08430

3 nights

£128 DBB

5

February to March 2 nights (Sun-Thur)

Includes dinner on first night of your stay

£159 BB

55 44 33 or book online at www.easy-breaks.com Open 7 days 9am to 9pm

Terms and conditions: All rates are per person, per break based on two guests sharing a double or twin room and include dinner, bed and breakfast unless otherwise stated, please check for family and single room rates and availability. All reservations must be pre-paid at time of booking by credit or debit card and an administration charge applies to each reservation. All rates are subject to availability which may be limited- when they’re gone, they’re gone, so book quickly to avoid disappointment. Booking protection does not cover Dancing on Ice and West Side Story breaks and is non-refundable. *If you find the same deal cheaper on any other third party booking site, we will match that rate. Full terms and conditions apply, please see website.

Wedding Feature

McCalls of Elgin Ex-Hire Sale starts 1st March McCalls of Elgin, on South Street, are the ultimate Highlandwear outfitters, supplying exceptional tailored kilts starting from ÂŁ285 and high quality hire outfits from as little as ÂŁ47.

McCallsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; friendly staff pride themselves in offering a high standard of service and unmatched choice, from the initial tightening of the tape measure to the last stitch made to your kilt.

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

McCalls of Elgin begin their Ex-hire sale on Saturday 1st March 2014 at 9.00am.

Perhaps you have a wedding or graduation this year, want to buy a 21st birthday gift for that special someone or want to dress to impress then now is the perfect time to do so.

For one week only McCalls of Elgin have fantastic bargains to offer, including:A wide range of Gentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kilts starting from only..................... ÂŁ100 McCalls very own exclusive PRIDE of Scotland range from ...... ÂŁ155 Ghillie Brogues from ................... ÂŁ25 Sporrans from ........................... ÂŁ30 Plus many more deals that are just too good to miss.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also 20% off our current stock throughout the sale.

There really is no excuse not to pick up a bargain.

But hurry, sale ends 5.00pm Saturday 8th March 2014.

Call McCalls of Elgin on 01343 540590 or visit www.mccalls.co.uk for more information.

McCalls of Elgin

Ex-Hire Sale

1st March - 8th March

Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;ÇŁÇŚ Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â? ÂŁ140 Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â? ÂŁ85 Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â? ÂŁ30 and more!

McCalls of Elgin

54 South Street

01343 540590

www.mccalls.co.uk

Wedding Feature

Wedding Feature

T

Your Romantic Highland Wedding T

A superb setting to celebrate Request a copy your of our New Wedding Brochure Special Day

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you for a wonder ful reception. recep wonderful s was the level The food was beautiful as We all had ad a fantastic of organisation. We time.â&#x20AC;?

Jamie and a Ruth Jamie

Your Romantic Romantic Highland Highland Wedding Wedding Your

View our newly refurbished Culbin Suite

A superb setting to celebrate your Special Day

Call Jenna Hayden our Wedding and Events manager today.

* Chair Cover Promotion* Free Guest Rooms * Free Roomcall Hire01309 Please 672410 or email weddings@ramneehotel.com Our New New W Wedding edding Brochure is no now wa available vailable Contact us to discuss Wedding Day Offers * 672410 copythese from Special our W edding Co-ordinator on 01309 Please request a copy Wedding Please callweddings@ramneehotel.com 01309 Menu 672410 or email2014 weddings@ramneehotel.com weddings@r amneehotel.com or email Valentines and Wedding Brochure now available * New bookings only 2013/2014

2AMNEE (OTEL s &ORRES s -ORAY s (IGHLANDS s WWW RAMNEEHOTEL COM Ramnee Hotel ¡ F orres ¡ Mor ay ¡ Highlands ¡ www .ramneehotel.com Forres Moray www.ramneehotel.com

Wedding Feature

Wedding Feature

“The big day itself was all that we wished it to be and more” We had both fallen in love with the Scottish Highlands since coming up on holiday to visit my family, so when we got engaged it seemed like the perfect location to have our wedding.

We needed somewhere that could hold both the ceremony and the reception plus have enough rooms for our guests to stay. We visited venues around the Highlands and the Newton Hotel was the clear winner. The hotel itself is stunning, successfully combining old fashioned charm with more modern additions. Seeing the grounds and the views across the Moray Firth for the first time took our breath away... and once I’d seen the field of Highland Cattle the deal was sealed!

Throughout the planning stage all the staff at the hotel were really helpful, so rather than being a stressful experience, planning our wedding turned out to be an enjoyable one. It did sometimes feel as though I was at the Newton Hotel so often that staff must be getting fed up of me but they never showed it if they were!

The big day itself was all that we wished it to be and more.

The hotel had kindly cordoned off the car park so we had some gorgeous pictures of us at the front of the hotel, uninterrupted by other vehicles. We had originally planned to have the ceremony outside but the weather had other ideas! We always knew it would be a risk (it is the Highlands after all!) and the hotel staff were very happy to be flexible, giving us the option of the Chapel as our back up plan. In the end, even though we couldn’t have our wedding outside, the Chapel looked absolutely beautiful and it comfortably seated all our guests.

The staff were excellent throughout and ensured that everything ran smoothly without a hitch, leaving us to enjoy our special day to the full. The food was always very important to us and the hotel did not disappoint, giving us a wide range of options for both the wedding breakfast and evening buffet, even allowing us to add some of our own suggestions.

We are so glad that we chose to have our wedding at the Newton Hotel, it gave us both everything we ever wanted our wedding to be and we will cherish the memories for a lifetime. Plus our guests are still telling us what a great time they had!

Vanessa and Tony Wedding Feature

Wedding Feature

HEAD FOR US

HAT HIRE Unique, Elegant, Sophisticated Come and see our large range of wedding hats to hire or buy - or why not have your hat be-spoke designed to match your outfit.

Styles to suit all - fascinators, and hatinators also stocked or personally made to match your outfit.

For further information and to make an appointment Ê/i i« iÊä£Î{ÎÊn£äÓ ÇÊUÊÜÜÜ° i>`v ÀÕðV °Õ

By appointment only

Give us a try and you wont need to Buy !

Wedding Feature

HARRISON’S Home Improvements Ltd FULLY FITTED KITCHENS Harrison’s Own Brand Kitchens

RENOVATIONS/HOME IMPROVEMENT PACK – 4 Home Improvements for only £20,000!

LEVEL 1 Any 13 Units, Worktops, Cornice, Pelmets Select from 2 ranges

KITCHEN PACK

LAKES LIFETIME GUARANTEE

13 Units Kitchen Pack and Appliances fitted

£2499 Supplied and Fitted LEVEL 2 Any 13 Units, Worktops, Cornice, Pelmets Select from 7 ranges

BATHROOM PACK

£3500 Supplied and Fitted 50% Off Selected Ranges

13 Piece Bathroom Pack inc Bath, Toilet, Basin and Wetwall

of Lakes Kitchens

FULLY FITTED BATHROOMS Refresher Package 13-Piece Bathroom Set – perfect for smaller bathrooms where budget is key

Premier Package A complete refurbishment solution with vanity storage at an affordable price

BEDROOM PACK Any 6 Units – Select from: Mirrored Units/Drawered Units, Double/Single/Hanging Units

£2999 inc VAT and Installation

£5499 inc VAT and Installation

HEATING PACK

Ultra Package Everything you need for your new bathroom, giving you the widest choice of styles and colours with high quality products

BALTERLEY LIFETIME GAURANTEE

Combi Boiler 7 Radiators plus Pipework and Valves

£8999 inc VAT and Installation

Balterley Lifetime Manufacturer’s Guarantee Contact Harrison’s for full package info. Ts and Cs apply

ALL THIS FOR £20,000 –

5 YEAR PARTS AND LABOUR WARRANTY

Includes VAT and Fitting

NEEDO ELECTRIC PANEL HEATING The new generation controller – revolutionise the management of your heating

NEEDO PACK

SP OF ECIA FE L R

Special Offer: High quality heating system £4700 inc VAT and fitting. Full system swap

PLUMBING and HEATING Supplied and Fitted Only

£2195 inc VAT # -Ë. -7 ! ËÌÉyËVË +¤ÔËÌÉy LPG Boats and Caravans £85 LPG Catering Vans £120

Call us on 01343 551331 for more information on the latest in electric heating

SAVING YOU 25% ELECTRICITY ON YOUR CURRENT PANEL AND STORAGE HEATERS!

Select from one of the best 3 boilers on the market COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC Service Plans Available

Introducing: PROPERTY

30kw 30kw

Manufacturer’s Lifetime Guarantee Available Ts and Cs apply

30kw 224523

MAINTENANCE SERVICES

All Joinery, Plumbing, Electrical, Painting and Decorating, Groundworks, Landscaping and Gardening ? Íj ? WjË ÍÁ?WÍÄËwÁ ËÌÔ|± ˬjÁË Í Ë®+ Ö M ~Ê j?Í ~Ê jWÍÁ WįËVË0ÄË? aË ÄË?¬¬ ß 8jË? Ä ËÖ ajÁÍ? jË ¬¬ ? WjË.jÁÜ W ~Ë? aË-j¬? ÁÄËVË! Ë MË0 Ë ~Ë ÁË. ? u Free Plan and Design Free Quotations Terms and Conditions Apply Pictures for illustration purposes only

Open 7 Days Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm Sat and Sun 10 am-4 pm

COME AND VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT 16 Linkwood Place, Elgin Tel (01343) 551331

THERE’S NO COMPARISONS TO HARRISON’S!

HARRISON’S

LINKWOOD PLACE